TENNIS: Keys braces for defending champion pressure at Australian Open

Madison Keys is readying herself to handle the added scrutiny of returning to the Australian Open as defending champion, while fellow American Coco Gauff looks set for a strong showing when the season’s first Grand Slam begins on Sunday.

Keys claimed her long-awaited major breakthrough at Melbourne Park last year, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final to prevent the world number one from winning a third consecutive Australian Open title.

Now, Keys says her focus is on being mentally prepared when she steps onto the court.

“I think the biggest thing is getting to the point where it’s not about not feeling the pressure, but knowing how to navigate through it,” Keys told The National at the season-ending championships in Riyadh.

Fitness could also play a crucial role, according to former player and ESPN commentator Chris Eubanks. He noted that Keys had struggled with a groin issue earlier in the season.

“One of the big things for Maddie is going to be health,” Eubanks said. “So that’s going to be the big thing I look for. How healthy is she?”

World number three Coco Gauff, meanwhile, has the tools and competitive edge to contend in Melbourne, Eubanks added. He highlighted her recent performance against world number two Iga Swiatek at the United Cup on Saturday, describing it as a potential blueprint for success at the Australian Open.

“She made a high percentage of first serves, used some slow cutters, and then occasionally would pop one,” Eubanks said. “It kept Iga off balance.”

Veteran ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe said Gauff’s challenge lies in finding the right balance between aggression and consistency, particularly on her serve.

“She can serve big, but that can get her into trouble,” McEnroe said. “Sometimes I’d like her to be a little more conservative.”

Top seed Sabalenka of Belarus remains the player to beat, but Gauff leads a strong U.S. contingent that includes Keys, world number four Amanda Anisimova, and the always-dangerous Jessica Pegula.

-Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters