Keys has made a career defining start to the 2025 season, already winning two titles including the Australian Open and reaching a career-high ranking of world number five.
The 30-year-old continued that form into Indian Wells, where she reached the semi-finals, before Keys was stunned at the Miami Open by wildcard Alexandra Eala.
After suffering that disappointment in Miami, Keys is looking to move on during the clay court season.
Madison Keys says she’s facing the same issue as Serena Williams
After winning the biggest title of her career, Keys received many messages of congratulations.
One of those was from 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams, who supported Keys after winning her first major.
Keys is now at the Charleston Open and won her opening match of the clay court season against compatriot Caroline Dolehide.
The Australian Open champion beat Dolehide in straight sets, but was made to work hard for her victory after having seven match points saved.
When speaking on the Tennis Channel desk after the match, comparisons were made to Serena Williams, with Keys questioned over whether she felt like her opponents were playing better against her since she became a Grand Slam champion.
When responding, Keys admitted that she did think this was the case, and admitted that she is trying to take the positives from the position she is in.
“I definitely think so and I think that is just the reality,” said Keys. “It’s always a lot of fun to be chasing someone. It’s not as much fun to be the person being chased.
“I think that’s just the reality of winning a slam and as you climb the rankings, that’s just how it kind of goes. It means that you are doing something pretty good and you are in a pretty good position.”
Madison Keys explains what she has learnt from recent defeats
Keys played some impressive attacking tennis during her run to the Australian Open title, that was particularly highlighted during her victories over both Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
She has only lost three matches so far in 2025, with two of those coming since winning her first major title.
After losing in the third round of the Miami Open, Keys explained that she has gone back to the drawing board to try and focus on what made her become a Grand Slam champion.
“Really, honestly, that I just have to focus on the basics,” said Keys. “Sometimes it feels like you conquered a major goal and now of a sudden we have to do all these new things.
“Sometimes it is kind of nice to go back to what worked to get there and maybe let’s simplify some things and let’s just really focus on those.”
Keys is a former Charleston Open champion, and will continue her bid to reclaim the WTA 500 clay court title against either Anna Kalinskaya or Caty McNally.