The American previously had a 0-1 record in Grand Slam finals, having lost at the 2017 US Open to compatriot Sloane Stephens.

Keys has yet to return to the WTA Tour since her fantastic run in Melbourne, despite a long list of tournaments on the schedule.

The likes of the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships have both come and gone, both of which were WTA 1000 events.

Chris Evert congratulates Madison Keys on career-high ranking

Amanda Animisimova could rival Keys for future success after winning the former, while 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva looks set for a very bright future after winning the latter.

The new WTA rankings have now come to light following the Dubai tournament, with Andreeva rising five places into the top 10 for the very first time.

READ MORE: What happened to Coco Gauff for the first time since Wimbledon 2023 as she suffers shock Dubai exit

Keys, however, has moved up one spot from sixth to fifth, representing a career-high ranking for the American.

Reacting to that ranking shortly before it was confirmed, former professional Chris Evert wrote on X: “Congratulations Maddy, well deserved, keep going!”

Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula rise in new WTA rankings after Dubai Tennis Championships

Keys joins compatriot Jessica Pegula in moving up one spot in the rankings, with the latter now sitting fourth.

It coincides with the dropping of two places for Jasmine Paolini, who has fallen from fourth place to sixth place.

READ MORE: Jessica Pegula states what some people say which ‘really annoys’ her as she praises Madison Keys’ brave move

Paolini withdrew hurt from Dubai, with that injury now having immediate consequences for the Italian’s WTA ranking.

Another American in Emma Navarro meanwhile drops one place to 10th, with Paula Badosa also falling one spot to drop out of the top 10.

The biggest mover in that area of the rankings is, however, Dubai champion Andreeva, who has climbed from 14th to ninth.