January 2025 kicked off like a dream for Madison Keys . The American came flying out of the gates with a title run at the Adelaide Open, then conquered Melbourne for her first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open. She even dethroned the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in an electric final, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. It marked her second Slam final appearance after the heartbreak of the 2017 US Open loss. Now, she’ll be heading into the 2026 season AO as the reigning champion. How does she feel?

Right now, Keys is in action at the Charlotte Invitational Exhibition alongside Venus Williams, Frances Tiafoe, and Taylor Fritz. During a press conference for the event, the 30-year-old star opened up about returning to Melbourne to defend her title.

“I think, obviously, there’s going to be

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