Frances Tiafoe brags about helping Madison Keys win Australian Open after duo's 'no text' policy

Frances Tiafoe has resurfaced in the inbox of newly-crowned Australian Open champion Madison Keys. The duo had adopted a "no texting" policy ahead of the summit clash as Tiafoe's congratulatory messages had jinxed Keys' luck during crucial matches in the past.

Keys, after her quarterfinal win over Elina Svitolina, revealed that she had asked Tiafoe, who is a good friend of hers, to refrain from texting her during her Australian Open run.

Madison Keys explained to the media:

"We have this kind of joke where in the past he (Tiafoe) wouldn't say anything, you know, pre-tournament or anything, and he would text like in the quarters or the semis, and I would lose in the next round. So we have this new rule where, like I saw him a few days ago and said, don't text me. Like I don't want to hear from you at all. Just leave me alone and we'll talk after the tournament."

After Keys lifted her first Grand Slam in Melbourne on Saturday, Tiafoe hilariously claimed credit for the triumph. Taking to his Instagram Story, he revealed that he had sent a text message to Keys after her big win.

"You're welcome," the hilarious message read. Although the message was delivered to Keys, she was yet to reply.

Instagram | @bigfoe1998

Keys capped a series of stunning upsets at this year's Australian Open by defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a tight encounter that saw several twists and turns.

Madison Keys believes playing "smarter" made big difference at the Australian Open

Madison Keys, 29, has expressed that deviating from her usual power game and playing smarter has made a big difference to her game recently. She revealed her new strategy after her quarterfinal win over Elina Svitolina.

“I think I play a little bit smarter for sure, probably a little bit less fearless," Madison Keys told the press. "But to be here 10 years later in the semi-finals again, I’m really proud of myself."

Keys first made the semifinal of the Australian Open in 2015 as a 19-year-old. However, her dream was ended by countrywoman Serena Williams, the eventual champion. She matched the showing in the 2022 Australian Open, this time to be ousted by eventual champion Ashleigh Barty in a straight sets rout.

The American's previous best result came at the 2017 US Open, where her close friend Sloane Stephens defeated her.

This year, Keys' season got off to a dream start at the tune-up event at Adelaide, where she defeated Jessica Pegula to clinch her ninth WTA title.