Despite the disappointment, Keys is focused on the positives after strong performances against the likes of world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 10 seed Danielle Collins on her way to the AO title.
She also relishes the new perspective and “freedom” on court that her new Grand Slam champion status has afforded her.
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“I think in a lot of ways, it’s made me want more, because that was really fun! I definitely want to do that again,” Keys said of winning her first major. “But I think there’s also a little bit of freedom, just because it felt like something that was expected of me for a really long time. Being able to move past that on a personal level, it really just helped me enjoy tennis a little bit more.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to be able to play with that freedom.”
Keys, the No. 5 seed in Miami, will face Elina Avanesyan in the second round after a bye. The Armenian took down Russian wildcard Erika Andreeva 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-4 on Court 3 on Wednesday to advance.
