Embracing motherhood and top-level tennis is not an easy task, unless you’re a super-mom like Serena Williams. She gave birth to her daughter Olympia on September 1, 2017, and then a year later, she made a return to the WTA Tour. Talking about her comeback journey, her coach at that time, Patrick Mouratoglou, had said, “It probably is… now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge.” Result? Almost a year after giving birth, Williams headed into the final of the 2018 US Open. This year, the tennis world has seen the rise of a lot of tennis moms. For example, just a few months ago, Belinda Bencic became the first mother to claim a WTA singles title (Abu Dhabi) since Elina Svitolina won in Strasbourg (2023). A few days ago, Naomi Osaka also won her first title since becoming a mother. What does American tennis star Madison Keys have to say about these super moms in the tennis world?

In January this year, Madison Keys became the oldest first-time major champion in women’s singles since a 33-year-old Flavia Pennetta at the 2015 US Open. Her resurgence to the top tier in women’s tennis has also been an inspiring story. Keys’ success is a testament to “age is just a number.” Recently, before starting her campaign at the 2025 Italian Open, Keys appeared in a press conference. During the press conference, she was asked to share her thoughts on these tennis moms who defied all odds to rise to the summit of the tennis world. In the future, does she also see herself as a tennis mom?

“I think it’s amazing that there are so many moms on Tour. I think that the support of the Tour is incredible, that there have been so many opportunities for so many women to start a family and come back and still have the sport,” said Madison Keys.

Speaking about her own plans, she further added, “I don’t know if that’s going to be me. I haven’t gotten that far yet. We’ll see, we’ll see one day, and then I’ll have a better answer for you. I’ve obviously really enjoyed having Bjorn be my coach the past couple of years. It definitely wasn’t something that we were planning, but it’s nice to actually see your husband every day. So that’s a bonus.”

Madison Keys has been in red-hot form this year, she has not only secured a 23-5 win-loss record this season but also clinched two titles so far (including the AO). Talking about her tennis goals, she once admitted, “The goal is to win another Grand Slam, but the reality is that there are many very talented players, and it is very difficult to win one, so maybe it won’t happen again, and that’s okay.” And to help her make her journey smoother, she has found her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, as her coach!

If we take a look at their journey, both of them met each other way back in 2006 in Boca Raton, Florida, while training at the same facility. After that, they started to live in the same Orlando apartment complex over the years. Their friendship grew strong over time, and then it eventually turned into a relationship. In 2017, the couple eventually started dating each other, and in March 2023, they got engaged before eventually tying the knot on November 25, 2024.

From quarantining together during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 to being the biggest cheerleader for Madison Keys, Fratangelo has been more than just a husband and coach to the tennis star. When Keys won the 2025 AO, her husband shared a heartfelt note saying, “For 8 years, I have watched you wonder if and when your time would come. Sometimes, you thought it never would. I never cared about any of that because to me you’re so much more than what you do with a racquet. Through your lowest of lows and all the highs, you stuck with it and finally get what you truly deserve. Everyone around you loves you so much, and a grand slam is not needed for that. It’s been amazing to see you evolve over the last 18 months, and no one can ever take this away from you.”

Can Madison Keys win another major title this year and bring more smiles to the faces of her well-wishers? Time will tell! But the journey to success won’t be easy, as we’re seeing a lot of transitions in the tennis world with the rise of new superstars. Has the Tour become more open after the retirement of legends like Serena Williams?

Madison Keys shares her thoughts on the unpredictability of the Tour in recent times

The tennis world has seen the rise of quite a few newcomers this season. On the WTA side, there are players like Mirra Andreeva or Amanda Anisimova, who have already announced their arrivals on the Tour with their title triumphs. Then on the men’s side, with the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, players like Jack Draper have joined the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to carry forward the baton. What does Madison Keys have to say about the Tour being more open nowadays?

“I think there’s definitely a lot of players… It’s happening on both tours now more and more, where you can think that there’s, like you said, 20 different people that you wouldn’t be surprised if they end up winning the tournament.” Keys further added, “I think part of it is because we’ve kind of lost some of our legends, obviously. Like, there’s no longer Serena Williams in every draw where you just assume she’s going to win. On the men’s side, you don’t have Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal], and Novak [Djokovic] every single week.” She feels the base level has gotten much higher nowadays, and the game has now become more physical.

Amid all these, with the French Open knocking at the door, does she see herself winning another major title this year? Well, previously, Madison Keys claimed that her goal is to win another Grand Slam title. During the recent press conference at the Italian Open, the American tennis star also spoke about her evolving focus before the French Open. Do you think Keys can win yet another major title this year?