The 2025 US Open began with one of its biggest surprises when Madison Keys , fresh off one of the best seasons of her career, fell in the opening round against the Mexican Renata Zarazua: 6-7[10-12], 7-6[7-3], 7-5. For the American, who lifted her first Grand Slam trophy earlier this year in Melbourne, the loss was not just disappointing but also revealing. In her press conference, Keys spoke with unusual candour about the invisible battles players face on the court, from nerves to burnout.

What stood out most was her honesty. Rather than brushing off the defeat, Keys admitted she was overwhelmed by the occasion. “I feel like today was the first time in a while where my nerves really got the better of me,” she confessed. The rawness of her words showed that even at the top of the game,

See Full Page