Madison Keys is making a powerful comeback in her 2025 season at the Australian Open! After missing last year’s tournament due to a shoulder injury, she reached the fourth round to face Elena Rybakina on Monday. A two-time semifinalist at AO in 2015 and 2022, Madison is looking to rewrite her story this year after clinching the Adelaide International title against Jessica Pegula. Ranked No. 14, she’s proving to be a serious contender, fueled by her talent and the unwavering support of her family throughout her journey.

Everyone knows that Madison’s coach and husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, who she married in November last year, has been by her side for the last seven years. However, few would know about her parents – Rick and Christine Keys, who laid the foundation for this rising star. Their influence started early when Madison discovered tennis at just four years old after watching Venus Williams dazzle in her stylish dress at Wimbledon. “All she did was try to hit balls into the next yard—home runs,” Rick recalled in a 2011 New York Times interview, highlighting her playful yet passionate spirit.

Rick, a former Division III college basketball player at Augustana College, graduated in 1986 and always encouraged Madison’s athletic pursuits. However, he stepped back from coaching to let the professionals take the reins. Now a partner at Keys Law Offices in Rock Island County, Illinois, he specializes in personal injury claims and criminal defense. “I wanted her to have the best,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to Madison’s success. Alongside him is Christine, who has been an unwavering pillar of support.

Christine Keys, a proud European-American and graduate of Marycrest University, earned her law degree from DePauw University in 1991. But when her daughter Madison Keys showed promise in tennis, Christine made a life-changing decision—she retired to support her dream fully. “Her role in Florida was mother, chauffeur, cook, support team, school, etc. Mostly on her own,” her husband Rick shared with Vavel. The family even moved to Florida to help Madison train with the USTA, a sacrifice Christine embraced wholeheartedly.

From driving Madison to practices to keeping everything running smoothly at home, Christine became the backbone of her daughter’s journey. “I have to take care of business here, which was something Christine and I used to do together,” Rick said, reflecting on their teamwork. Her unwavering dedication helped shape Madison into the tennis star she is today

Clearly, Rick and Christine Keys have been Madison’s biggest fans since the very beginning, cheering her on throughout her impressive 15-year professional career. Christine often makes the trip to visit her daughter at her Orlando home. Now coming into the 2025 Australian Open, Keys has high hopes of reaching for the stars. While her parents may not be there, Fratangelo is a constant to support her along the way.

Madison shares her true feelings toward Bjorn Fratangelo

Fratangelo stepped into the coaching role after Keys’ second-round exit at the 2024 French Open, and the results have been promising, including her run to the 2023 US Open semifinals. “The best part [of being coached by her husband] is that we actually get to see each other,” Keys said in an interview with Grand Slam Daily on January 15. Reflecting on their early days, she added, “When we started dating, he was also playing, and we were not on the same schedule, so we would not spend a whole lot of time together. So it’s great that we actually get to spend time together.”

Their story goes back to 2006 in Boca Raton, Florida, where they met while training at the same facility. Years later, they lived in the same Orlando apartment complex, and by 2017, their friendship had blossomed into a relationship. In March 2023, Fratangelo proposed at their home just as Keys returned from a tournament in Dubai—a heartfelt moment that solidified their bond. The couple tied the knot on November 23, 2024, in Charleston, surrounded by friends and family.

Now ranked World No. 14, Keys is storming into the fourth round of the Australian Open to face seventh seed Rybakina. With her husband-coach and family cheering her on, she’s ready to fight for another win. Will this powerful support system help her go all the way? Share your thoughts in the comments below!