Madison Keys says she is trying to appreciate the pressure of defending her Australian Open title as she begins her season in Brisbane.
AUSTRALIAN Open champion Madison Keys said she is trying to embrace the extra pressure that comes with starting the year as a defending Grand Slam champion.
The American world number seven pulled off a shock in last year’s final, beating top seed Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set classic to win her maiden major title.
Keys said she feels the weight of expectation heading into her title defence in Melbourne this month but is determined to enjoy it.
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“There is obviously a lot of pressure that comes with doing as well as I did last year,” she said at the season-opening Brisbane International.
“But not very many people get to go into this swing being a defending champion.”
“So I’m trying really just to appreciate that and enjoy the position I’ve put myself in.”
Brisbane, which acts as a build-up for the Australian Open, features seven of the world’s top 10 women.
If the draw goes according to the seedings, Keys will meet world number one Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.
“This week has always been one of those weeks where the field is pretty difficult and tough,” said Keys.
“There is not a ton of places for all of us to go and play.”
“We’ll inevitably all end up in the same place. I think it always kind of brings out the best in all of us.”
Keys has a first-round bye and will play either compatriot McCartney Kessler or Colombian Emiliana Arango in the second round. – AFP
