"It was never if, just when": Madison Keys' triumph sparks cheers from Alcaraz, Gauff, Pegula and more

Sunday, 26 January 2025 at 01:00

Madison Keys' incredible triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final sparked a wave of reactions across the tennis world. Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Jessica Pegula, and Petra Kvitova were among those who congratulated Keys on securing the trophy.

The American claimed her first Grand Slam title, more than seven years after her maiden major final at the 2017 US Open, where she lost to her compatriot and friend Sloane Stephens—who was also among those celebrating Keys’ achievement on social media.

It wasn’t just her colleagues on the WTA Tour; several Grand Slam legends, including Tracy Austin, Ana Ivanovic, and Billie Jean King, also praised the new World No. 7. Former US Open champion Stephens, one of Keys’ closest friends on the Tour, shared an emotional message, reflecting on their history in the 2017 final: "It was never if, just when. You deserve this and beyond🏆♥️"

It was never if, just when. You deserve this and beyond 🏆♥️ https://t.co/p89bTTjwoM
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) January 25, 2025

The two highest-ranked American players, Coco Gauff (No. 3) and Jessica Pegula (No. 6), also congratulated their compatriot. "So deserved 🥲 Go Madiii!!!" commented the 20-year-old star Gauff, while her 30-year-old colleague Pegula said, "We love to see it!!!! Much deserved in every way possible 🫶🏼♥️"

so deserved 🥲 Go Madiii!!!
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 25, 2025

We love to see it!!!! Much deserved in every way possible 🫶🏼♥️ https://t.co/0QOKFoJA79
— Jessie Pegula (@JPegula) January 25, 2025

@Madison_Keys congratulations to you for your big win! You deserve it so much! Happy for you, enjoy it :)” wrote the 2-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova. “Congrats Madison 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 What an amazing performance. So deserved 🏆” posted the former WTA Finals champion Caroline Garcia.

@Madison_Keys congratulations to you for your big win! You deserve it so much! Happy for you, enjoy it :)
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 25, 2025

Congrats Madison 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

What an amazing performance. So deserved 🏆#AusOpen
— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) January 25, 2025

With this triumph, the American climbs to World No. 7 and has great potential to advance further, as she has few points to defend in the coming months. Check out more reactions to Keys’ remarkable victory, which marked her 10th career title and her most significant yet as her first Grand Slam.

Many congratulations @Madison_Keys! 💪🏻❤️ Well deserved! 🔥 Enjoy!!! 🏆
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 25, 2025

Madi Keys. ❤️ 🥹 🏆 #AO2025
— Jennifer Brady (@jennifurbrady95) January 25, 2025

Congrats @Madison_Keys 🏆 How does “Major Champion” sound? The longer the wait, the sweeter the victory. Well deserved 👏🇺🇸💪
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) January 25, 2025

Congrats to your outstanding performance @Madison_Keys - well deserved 👏🏼🎾 https://t.co/4yKKNiS4D8
— Ana Ivanovic (@anaivanovic) January 25, 2025

@Madison_Keys congratulations! So very happy for you. The harder the path, the sweeter the victory!
— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) January 25, 2025

Congratulations @Madison_Keys inspiring tennis and grit! So many incredible matches showing us once again why you’re a champion on and off the court! ❤️🇺🇸
— Shelby Rogers (@Shelby_Rogers_) January 25, 2025

Congratulations to @Madison_Keys on winning the #AusOpen women's singles title!

This is her 10th title and her very first Grand Slam!

And cheers to @SabalenkaA on an incredible run. https://t.co/egxoeehkA3
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 25, 2025

Just waking up in Los Angeles where in the last 18 days there has not been much joy and happiness. A huge well deserved congratulations to Maddy, Bjorn and her team. “Good things come to those who wait” The quality and drama of women’s matches has been top shelf! 👊
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) January 25, 2025

Congratulations Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You earned and deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unforgettable match! Thx to both players for their display of skill,resilience and grit. Simply amazing! Wonderful Aussie Open! F**k yeah Maddi!!!!!!!!!!!
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 25, 2025

claps 0visitors 0

Daily Dose of Social Media: Jackie Chan and Kesha at Madison Keys' Australian Open victory, Sabalenka laughs off post-defeat frustration

US tennis shines: Madison Keys becomes third American champion of the 2020s – surpassing last decade

Just In

Latest Comments

Tennis News 24/7

"It was never if, just when": Madison Keys' triumph sparks cheers from Alcaraz, Gauff, Pegula and more

Just In

Tournament Centre ATP Madrid Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Tournament Centre WTA Madrid Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Karolina Muchova withdraws from 2025 Madrid Open due to illness

Carlos Alcaraz officially out of Madrid Open 2025 after adductor tear confirmed

Popular News

Tournament Centre ATP Madrid Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Tournament Centre WTA Madrid Open 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

"I am really tired": Rennae Stubbs criticises Aryna Sabalenka for passing sarcastic comments about team after losing finals

Daily Dose of Social Media: Aryna Sabalenka finally buys Porsche, Veronika Kudermetova in tears after defeating sister

Latest Comments