Madison Keys and more: American women had something to say at the Australian Open

American women generated a spectrum of intriguing results Down Under this year—a visible presence that should stay the case throughout 2025.

Surprising as it was to see Madison Keys earn her first major at the age of 29, Keys certainly has the tools to stay in the mix week after week. How refreshing it was to see her so wisely address tennis’ psychological challenges.

Speaking after the final, Keys said, “So I stopped fighting trying to push away the feelings and pretending that they're not there and just accepting them and really telling myself that they're fine and they're totally normal to be there, and I can still play tennis.”

Read more: Madison Keys won her first Grand Slam title at Australian Open by caring a little bit less

Melbourne also went well for Emma Navarro. Her ascent into the Top 10 continued, evidenced by gritty three-set wins versus tricky tacticians, Ons Jabeur and Daria Kasatkina, on her way to the quarters. For Coco Gauff, though it was frustrating to lose to a resurgent Paula Badosa, the technical and tactical improvements she’s made over the last four months will aid her greatly as the year continues.

Read more: Coco Gauff shrugs off 'internet coaches' after Australian Open exit

Look also for better results this year from Jessica Pegula (beaten in the third round by 55th-ranked Olga Danilovic) and Danielle Collins (ousted by Keys in the third round). While Pegula generally lets her racquet do the talking, Collins relished mixing it up with the crowd Down Under. Never one to back down, how will Collins—determined to enjoy one more last year on the tour—conduct herself moving forward, particularly when she seeks to defend her titles in Miami and Charleston?