Madison Keys reflects on post-Australian Open ‘existential crisis’ ahead of Indian Wells return

Madison Keys spoke about the emotional rollercoaster she experienced after winning her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The American defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 and, at 29 years old, etched her name in history as a major champion.

It was a tough road for the American, who had to overcome opponents like Danielle Collins, Elena Rybakina, and Iga Swiatek on her way to the final. She extended her winning streak to 12 matches, having arrived in Melbourne after winning the Adelaide International title.

It’s been a hectic few days for Keys, who had to attend media duties in Melbourne before flying to the U.S. for more interviews in New York. She finally returned home to spend time with her husband and coach, Bjorn Fratangelo, and according to what she told ESPN, she spent the next three days on the couch.

"It was really emotionally draining," Keys said this week before Indian Wells. "I mean, you were just experiencing the highest of highs, and then you come home, and it just kind of ends. I was basically comatose just trying to recover. It was an amazing achievement, I was so happy, but the emotional rollercoaster afterward was a little bit surprising."

Keys mentioned that she is not the only one who goes through this emotional turmoil. "It's actually funny how many former players reached out to me saying, 'The existential crisis is totally normal,'" she added.

Now, the new world No. 5 is preparing to face Russian Anastasia Potapova in the second round of Indian Wells this Saturday. The 5th seed will aim to extend her 12-match winning streak and maintain the incredible level she showed in Australia, despite more than a month passing since her last match—the final against Sabalenka.