American tennis star Madison Keys arrived in Adelaide on Sunday, ready to tap into the success she found there last year. That victory at the 2025 Adelaide International set the stage for her breakthrough at the Australian Open, where she claimed her first Grand Slam title.
Keys, now 30 and ranked seventh in the world, defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought final in Melbourne last January. The win marked a turning point in her career after years of strong showings without a major trophy. “It helped a lot,” Keys said during a press conference ahead of this week’s WTA event. She pointed to her past results in the South Australian city as a positive sign for her preparations.
This is Keys’ third time competing in Adelaide. She won the title in 2022 on her debut appearance, and last year’s success led to her Melbourne triumph. “Twice before I’ve played Adelaide and ended up making the semis of the Australian Open,” she noted. “Then last year I went deep.” With the Australian Open starting next week, Keys sees her track record here as key to building form.
Her recent performance in Brisbane offered valuable lessons. Keys fell to Sabalenka in straight sets at the season opener but viewed it as a step forward. “You want matches at the beginning of the season,” she explained. “You test yourself.” The loss allowed her to assess her game and make adjustments. “Getting good matches helps you figure out what’s working and what’s not,” Keys added. “It builds confidence and momentum.”
Keys enters the Adelaide tournament as the top seed after Jessica Pegula withdrew. Pegula, originally the highest-ranked player, pulled out after reaching the semifinals in Brisbane. The WTA confirmed the change came after the draw. Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, ranked ninth, now stands as the next top contender in the field.
Keys holds a perfect record in Adelaide, with no losses in her previous outings. “I’ve never lost here so far,” she said. “I would like to keep that streak alive.” Defending her title this week could provide the ideal launch into Melbourne, where she aims to repeat as champion.
Her path in Adelaide begins with a first-round bye, giving her extra time to settle in. Keys has adjusted her serve in recent months to stay healthy and consistent, a change that paid off in her 2025 run. After limited play following an early exit at the US Open last year, she focused on match practice in Australia.
Tennis fans in Costa Rica, where interest in the sport grows through local academies and international broadcasts, will follow Keys’ progress closely. Her story of persistence resonates with players building their own careers. As the Australian summer heats up, Keys remains focused on the details that led to her past achievements.
The Adelaide International runs through next weekend, leading directly into the Australian Open. Keys’ performance here could signal her readiness to hold onto the Melbourne crown against a competitive field.
