Wonder Woman of the Week: Madison Keys

I am still trying to figure out where I stand on some of the recent controversy surrounding recent non-sportsmanlike comments made one of my favorite athletes. In these situations, I try to remind myself of the less controversial athletes who continue to live the Olympic lifestyle in and outside the sport. This week’s Wonder Woman is the name to know in women’s tennis right now, and not just for her athletic performance. This athlete is on track to become the next best women’s tennis players in the circuit- but continues to treat her fellow athletes with respect. The Wonder Woman of the Week is Madison Keys.

Madison Keys broke into the international tennis circuit at the young age of fourteen. In that same year, Keys defeated champion tennis player Serena Williams five sets to one in a World Team Tennis match and won an ITF tournament in Cleveland. Keys first broke into the top 100 in 2013 hovering between 30th and 50th place over the next year before winning her first major tournament in Eastbourne. [1]

In 2015, Madison Keys finished the year with a 31-18 win-loss record and earned over one million dollars in prize money. Keys advanced all the way to the semifinals at the Australian Open, the 3rd Round at the French Open, the Quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and the 4th Round at the US Open. The following year, Keys advanced to the 4th Round in the Australian Open, the 4th Round at the French Open, the 4th Round at Wimbledon, At the Rio Olympics, Keys advanced all the way to the Semifinals, losing to Angelique Kerber in two sets. [2]

When not competing in international tournaments, Madison Keys is advocating for women’s education and empowerment. Keys recently signed on as a partner with FearlesslyGIRL to help fund and train the next generation of female tennis players. The focus of the project is to empower young girls in sports to be more self-confident, honest, and to maintain positive attitudes toward themselves and their opponents. [3]

It is easy for an athlete in any sport to lose their cool after a defeat and blame their opponents for their loss. While Madison Keys’ passion on the court is far from apathetic about losing, she maintains a strong sense of sportsmanship on the court. Off the court, Keys directly works to and advocates for the expansion of women’s tennis and the empowerment of more girls in the sport. She is a champion in her career and a role model for young girls in her sport- making her a superhero for those who look up to her.

(Photo Credit: For The Win)

Chase, Chris. “7 things to know about breakout American star Madison Keys.” For The Win. USA Today; 24 January 2015. Web. 24 August 2016.

“Madison Keys Tournament Results.” ESPN. Walt Disney Company; nd. Web. 24 August 2016.

Sinay, Danielle. “Tennis Star Madison Keys’ Advice to Younger Women.” Teen Vogue. Conde Nast Digital; 24 August 2016. Web. 24 August 2016.