In sports, a new day means beginning from scratch. No matter if you have tasted victory today, the goal is to look for another. Just don’t stop. Madison Keys is no exception to this reality. Yes, she’s now a Grand Slam champion, having accomplished her dream back in January at the Rod Laver Arena in the title clash against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. She lifted the coveted trophy after thrashing the two-time AO queen 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. But that match is part of history now. It’s time to set her sights on what’s beyond. Keys’ next WTA challenge in 2025 is awaiting her in Indian Wells. And guess what? It seems she’s ready for it!

Keys announced her arrival at the BNP Paribas Open in style on Sunday as she took to her Instagram story to share an update. The American was seen posing for a selfie while looking in the mirror. With that, she also mentioned that she’s in California. It happens to be the main venue of Indian Wells Masters for the next two weeks.

For the uninitiated, she’s been busy practicing as well for the ‘fifth slam’. Just yesterday, Keys shared a brief clip from an intense session with her team. Prior to the event, she was on vacation but then tennis duties called and she had to answer. Despite her slight unwillingness to hit the court, Keys made sure to work hard. The clip showed her hitting some solid backhand and forehands. Plus, she was also seen working out to get in shape.

Interestingly, her training session also gave a glimpse of her newly customized Yonex kitbag. But what’s special about it? Well, now it carries her name as an Australian Open winner. Above the Yonex logo, one can spot “Madi” written on the bag alongside the Kangaroo logo. While she’s set for an on-court return this week, it could have come last month. But she was forced to withdraw from the Middle East swing.

Owing to a leg injury, Keys opted to pull back from the Qatar Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships. But now it’s time for action and to improve on her Indian Wells record. It’s not been impressive so far. Last season, she was ousted in the second round itself. Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva eliminated the American in straight sets with a score line of 6-4, 6-1. Moreover, a good run at the BNP Paribas Open this time is also important for another reason. Keys can elevate herself further in the WTA ranking list after accomplishing her best position following the triumph in Melbourne!

Madison Keys reaches career-best ranking, thanks to Australian Open glory

Since the start of this season, Madison Keys has ensured her huge jump in the rankings. In January, she clinched the Adelaide International title after overcoming the challenge of compatriot Jessica Pegula. Keys beat her in the final battle with a score line of 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. But her indomitable campaign down under really did the heavy lifting. How?

Thanks to the Slam win, she took a massive leap in the WTA rankings. When it was updated last Monday, she earned the fifth spot on the list. Previously, she was sitting in the sixth position but now she’s enjoying her career-best ranking. That being said, she’s become the 20th American WTA player to reach the top 5 since the official rankings began in 1975. But that’s not it!

Keys is also joined by her two compatriots, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, in the top 5. While the 20-year-old is sitting on No. 3, Pegula is on No. 4, respectively. In over two decades, it is the first time that three American players are placed inside the top 5 list. Back in 2003, tennis icons Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, and Jennifer Capriati were ranked No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5, respectively. A glorious run in Indian Wells might push Keys to a rank higher. Who knows! But the question is: can she deliver? What are your thoughts on her prospects? Let us know in the comments below.