"That’s just the reality": Madison Keys reveals one disadvantage of winning a Grand Slam

America’s Madison Keys has opened up about one drawback of winning a Grand Slam. Earlier this year, the 30-year-old lifted the Australian Open title after beating the reigning world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

It was Keys’ maiden Grand Slam in her career. The Illinois-born is currently taking part in the Charleston Open, where she booked her place in the round of 16 after beating Caroline Dolehide in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6.

Talking after the match, Keys was asked whether she feels that other players have elevated their game when they face her. The one-time Grand Slam winner stated that she think that is the disadvantage of winning a major title. “I think so [that other players elevate their game against me after winning the Grand Slam],” she said. “That’s just the reality. Its always a lot of fun to be chasing someone. Its not so much fun to be the person who has been chased. So I think that’s just the reality of winning a Grand Slam. But it also means that you are doing something pretty good.”

Keys further also went to talk about the match where she was denied seven match points before eventually concluded a straight win. “Honestly I was feeling like she was playing her best tennis on match point,” she said. “I kept thinking that surely if I get another one, that will be the one. I think really I just tried to go back to what was I doing to get the lead. So just tried to go back to that. Its hard sometimes when you feel like you are so close. So just really being focus and tried to go back to the process and go one point by one point and leave everything behind.”