Madison Keys Returns to WTA Finals with Renewed Appreciation

Madison Keys has returned to the WTA Finals for the first time in nine years, competing in the round-robin tournament in Saudi Arabia with a newfound appreciation for her career.

What sparked the change?

Keys' first appearance at the WTA Finals was in 2016, when she was just 21 years old.

She thought she'd be back every year, but it took her nine more years to qualify again.

How has her perspective shifted?

Now, as the world's No. 7 player, Keys is making sure to enjoy the moment, having won her first career Grand Slam at the Australian Open and achieving her career-high ranking of No. 5.

She has also taken home over $4 million in prize money this year.

What's driving her newfound appreciation?

Keys credits a shift in her mental approach for her recent success, including her Grand Slam win in Melbourne just before her 30th birthday.

She has continued working on this approach, dealing with new pressures and media attention as a Grand Slam champion.

And she's learned to say yes to more experiences on tour, like going out to dinner and exploring the city.

What's next for Madison Keys?

As she competes in the WTA Finals, Keys is also co-hosting a new podcast called The Players Box with fellow American tennis players Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk.

They discuss their lives off the court and the less glamorous aspects of their careers.

Keys fell to Renata Zarazua in the first round of the US Open, but used the loss as a chance to reset and refocus.

She is now seeded sixth and looking to make the most of her time in Riyadh.