As the smiles brightened Madison Keys’ path to victory, Coco Gauff couldn’t help but notice the positive vibes that propelled her fellow American to seize the Happy Slam title. Before Keys managed to dethrone Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion, and grab her first major win at the Australian Open, Gauff saw her teammate glowing with positivity.
The off-season brought monumental change for Keys as she tied the knot with longtime partner and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo, in what she described as “the happiest day of my life,” during their Charleston wedding. Gauff is convinced that this personal happiness was the catalyst that helped Keys relax and reach the pinnacle of her career, securing a Grand Slam victory eight years and 25 attempts after falling short against her close friend Sloane Stephens.
Reflecting on Keys’ achievement, Gauff remarked, “Madison’s game was always on a high, but seeing her finally clinch a slam that she truly deserved was special. Lately, she seems happier, and that’s been her biggest transformation, more so than any technical tweaks in her game. She radiates positivity, not that she was ever downbeat before, but now it feels like you can really sense her energy.”
Gauff continued, “Even before her Australian win, she seemed happier in the locker room and beyond. Athletes often excel when they are in that kind of mindset, so it’s wonderful to see her excel while also enjoying the moment.”
Currently seeded fifth, Keys is riding an impressive 14-match winning streak into the round of 16 at Indian Wells, where she will face off against either Emma Navarro or Belinda Bencic. Should Keys triumph and Gauff overcome Bencic, fans will be treated to a thrilling match-up between two American tennis powerhouses in the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals.
