"I don’t really identify as white or African American" - When Madison Keys made honest admission about her ethnicity after Serena Williams' remarks

Madison Keys once candidly shared her perspective on her ethnicity during the 2015 Australian Open. The American made the remarks after Serena Williams had welcomed a matchup with a fellow African American player at the Melbourne Slam.

A 19-year-old Keys produced a fairytale run at the Australian Open that year, beating the likes of Lesia Tsurenko, Petra Kvitova and Madison Brengle to reach the quarterfinals of the Major. The American then claimed a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Venus Williams to advance to her maiden Grand Slam semifinal, setting up a blockbuster clash with top seed Serena Williams.

Speaking to the press ahead of the encounter, Williams expressed her delight at seeing a fellow African American player in the semifinals, taking satisfaction in the knowledge that at least one American would reach the title clash. The then-World No. 1 also shared that she and Venus Williams were encouraged to witness the emergence of a new generation of American talent.

"It’s good to see another American, another African American, in the semifinals playing so well. Regardless, there’s going to be an American in the finals, so that is great. It’s also great for me and Venus because we know that finally there’s other Americans that are constantly playing well and playing better, showing that they want to be the world’s greatest," she said.

However, in an interview with the New York Times before the match, Keys disclosed that she didn't exclusively identify herself as white or African American, since she was mixed race.

"It’s something that’s always there obviously, but I’m very much right in the middle. I don’t really think of it. I don’t really identify myself as white or African American. I’m just me. I’m Madison," Madison Keys said.

Madison Keys' parents, both of whom are attorneys, have an interracial marriage. Her father Rick is Black, while her mother Christine is white. The American is also one of four siblings, with an older sister Sydney and two younger sisters, Montana and Hunter.

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"Madison Keys can be the best in the world; she has potential to be No. 1 and win Grand Slams" - Serena Williams after Australian Open SF win

Serena Williams and Madison Keys - Source: Getty

Serena Williams triumphed in her semifinal clash against Madison Keys at the 2015 Australian Open, claiming a 7-6(5), 6-2 victory to advance to the final. In her post-match press conference, the top seed shared a glowing commendation for Keys, expressing her belief that the then-19-year-old had the potential to become World No. 1 and win Major titles.

"I think she'll be really good. I think she can go really, really far. I think she can be the best in the world. The way she played today I definitely think she has potential to be No. 1 and win Grand Slams. It's exciting to see," Williams said.

Following her win over Keys, Williams went on to beat Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6(5) in the final to clinch her sixth crown at the Melbourne Slam and 19th Grand Slam title overall.

Serena Williams and Madison Keys locked horns in two more high-profile matches, with the former World No. 1 emerging victorious on both occasions to establish a perfect 3-0 winning record against her compatriot.