Former Grand Slam semifinalist delivers emphatic response when asked if Madison Keys can win the US Open this year

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Madison Keys made her Grand Slam breakthrough earlier this year, but will be looking for more in New York.

In January, Keys won her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

Winning her first major at her 46th attempt, Keys accomplished a lifelong dream, ascending to the top of the women’s game.

Unable to add to her Grand Slam tally in Paris or London, Keys has one more shot at major success in 2025, when she begins her US Open campaign.

Asked whether she believes Keys can win the title at Flushing Meadows, former French Open semifinalist Andrea Petkovic delivered an emphatic response.

Andrea Petkovic says Madison Keys ‘absolutely’ can win the US Open

Building fitness ahead of the US Open, Keys participated in the new-look mixed doubles event alongside Frances Tiafoe.

The American duo’s stint in the tournament was short-lived, however, as they lost to Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in round one, 1-4, 2-4.

During the match, co-commentator Petkovic was asked whether she believes Keys can win the US Open singles event.

“Absolutely,” she said.

“A couple of years ago, she was up 6-0, 5-3 against Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal; she was very, very close.

“Absolutely, I believe she can.”

Petkovic was referring to Keys’ semifinal defeat to Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open, where she lost 6-0, 6-7, 6-7.

The German proceeded to comment on the one area of Keys’ game that has dipped over recent months.

“She has been having trouble with her second serve a little bit, a few more double faults than we see from her usually,” said Petkovic.

Petkovic’s analysis was accurate, as the world number six has made five or more double faults in four of her last seven matches.

Keys will be hoping to sort out the second serve before the tournament begins, as she searches for her second Grand Slam win of the year.

Madison Keys highlights the ‘key’ to success for her at the US Open

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Keys outlined what the ‘key’ to success for her will be in New York.

“I think the key to success is really just kind of managing my expectations and just trying to control everything that I can control and give myself the best opportunity once I’m out on the court,” she said.

“That’s kind of just tennis. You can only do so much.

“There’s someone on the other side of the net from you that’s trying to get to the same place that you are. 

“So I think really just doing everything that you can to put yourself in the best position to go out and play good tennis is all you can do, and I guess probably the easiest part of the job.”

Keys may be ‘managing her expectations’, but will no doubt feel confident of making another deep run at the US Open.

The 30-year-old has performed exceptionally at Flushing Meadows over the years, reaching two semifinals and a final in 2017.

Madison Keys’ US Open record

• 2024 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 3R to Elise Mertens
• 2023 US Open – Madison Keys lost in SF to Aryna Sabalenka
• 2022 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 3R to Coco Gauff
• 2021 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 1R to Sloane Stephens
• 2020 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 3R to Alize Cornet
• 2019 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 4R to Elina Svitolina
• 2018 US Open – Madison Keys lost in SF to Naomi Osaka
• 2017 US Open – Madison Keys lost in F to Sloane Stephens
• 2016 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 4R to Caroline Wozniacki
• 2015 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 4R to Serena Williams
• 2014 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 2R to Aleksandra Krunic
• 2013 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 1R to Jelena Jankovic
• 2011 US Open – Madison Keys lost in 2R to Lucie Safarova

Losing out to Sloane Stephens in the 2017 final, Keys would surely love to return to the championship match in 2025.

Only time will tell how she will perform at this year’s tournament, but you won’t want to miss any of the action when the tournament begins on Sunday, August 24.