Madison Keys makes honest admission about past loss to Serena Williams at Australian Open and the clash she tried to "forget"

Madison Keys recalled a couple of tough Australian Open losses, including one to the legendary Serena Williams, shortly after returning to the Slam’s quarterfinals on Monday. She staged a big upset by taking out former finalist Elena Ryabkina to book her spot in the last-eight.

On being asked to reflect on her return to the deep stages of the Melbourne Major, Keys expressed delight at having completed the 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory in view of some tight losses that she has had at the venue.

Looking back, the American recalled playing Serena Williams at the 2015 Australian Open semifinal. The heartbreaking 7-6(5), 6-2 loss notwithstanding, she dubbed it an “incredible” experience as she was able to play against someone who she had idolised while growing up.

Keys went on to joke about another Australian Open loss, this time to home favorite Ashleigh Barty in the 2022 semifinals, saying that was the one loss that she likes to keep out of her memory.

"That was, I think the first time that I had played [Serena Williams]," Madison Keys said. "And it was, you know, incredible to be able to play someone who has meant so much to me in the game."

"So I think that was probably one of the best ones, losing to [Ashleigh Barty] wasn't. That was one that I've tried to forget," she added.

The American holds a 31-10 win-loss record at the Australian Open, her best at all Grand Slams. The two runs to the semifinals which ended in defeats against Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty (both of whom went on to lift the trophy) remain her best performances at the season’s first Grand Slam.

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Madison Keys looks to follow in Serena Williams' footsteps to capture Australian Open crown

In Picture: Madison Keys after winning her fourth-round encounter at the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

Madison Keys is looking to follow in Serena Williams’ footsteps to capture the Australian Open title. Only one other American, Sofia Kenin, has won the title since Williams last lifted the trophy back in 2017.

Keys has made a very strong start to the new season, coming into the Australian Open after lifting the trophy in Adelaide with big wins over the likes of Jessica Pegula, Daria Kastkina and Jelena Ostapenko.

The American has made her way to the Australian Open quarterfinals, losing only two sets, against Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Elena Rybakina in the round-of-64 and the round-of-16, respectively. She will next take on Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.