Five of the 29-year-old’s seven matches went to three sets and they came against some of the best players on tour.

But Madison Keys embraced the challenge and played some blistering attacking tennis to achieve her dream of winning a major, with her coach and husband Bjorn Fratangelo by her side.

For the 2025 Australian Open, off-court coaching was introduced and new coaching boxes were placed courtside. This made it easier for coaches and players to be able to communicate with one another.

It was optional and therefore players did not have to use the boxes if that was their choice, but Keys made great use of the chance to speak to coach and husband Fratangelo during her matches.

During an interview with CBS Sports, Keys spoke about what she used to struggle with in matches, before praising the coaching rule change.

“I felt like in the past things could get a little bit tough, and it was almost as if I was watching myself from above, and it was like my brain and my body weren’t connected,” keys began.

“So things were happening in matches and I felt like I couldn’t problem solve. I would get really nervous, and it was like as soon as the nerves hit, I would almost start panicking and thinking, ‘okay, well now I’m not going to play well because I’m nervous.

“So it finally got to the point where I was able to know that I can be nervous and I can still play really good tennis at the same time. And once I started really believing that I was able to actually be really present.

“Especially now when we have on court coaching, being able to actually have conversations with your support team on the side, I think it just really kind of helps you to stay in the moment.”

Madison Keys describes being coached by husband Bjorn Fratangelo

Keys was without a coach in the spring of 2023 after she split with her previous coach following the Charleston Open.

This was until Fratangelo agreed to be her new coach, which has proved to be a genius move. But during an appearance on CBS Mornings, Keys admitted it was not easy to convince Fratangelo to coach her.

“He played as well, he had some injuries and had to retire about two and a half years ago,” the new World number seven said.

“I didn’t have a coach at the time and I basically had to beg him to come with me. He said ‘I don’t like telling you what to do.

“We’ve done such a good job when we were both playing to stay partners and not really blur the lines and get involved in each other’s careers. But it’s been so amazing and to win this and win it with him, it’s incredible.”

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