"I don’t really identify as white or African American" - When Madison Keys talked about her ethnicity after Serena Williams' remarks
Back at the 2015 Australian Open, Madison Keys candidly talked about her ethnicity. The American made the remarks after Serena Williams said she was looking forward to a matchup with a fellow African-American player at the Melbourne Slam.
The then 19-year-old Keys produced a fairytale run at the Australian Open that year, beating the likes of Lesia Tsurenko, Petra Kvitova and Madison Brengle to reach the quarterfinals. The American then claimed a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Venus Williams to advance to her maiden Grand Slam semifinal, setting up a blockbuster clash with top seed Serena Williams.
Speaking to the press ahead of the encounter, Williams said she was delighted to see a fellow African-American player in the semifinals, before expressing satisfaction that at least one American would reach the title clash. The then-World No. 1 also said she and Venus Williams were encouraged to witness the emergence of a new generation of American talent.
"It’s good to see another American, another African-American, in the semifinals playing so well. Regardless, there’s going to be an American in the finals, so that is great. It’s also great for me and Venus because we know that finally there’s other Americans that are constantly playing well and playing better, showing that they want to be the world’s greatest," she said.
However, in an interview with the New York Times before the match, Keys said she didn't identify as either white or African-American, since she was mixed race.
"It’s something that’s always there obviously, but I’m very much right in the middle. I don’t really think of it. I don’t really identify myself as white or African American. I’m just me. I’m Madison," Madison Keys said.
Madison Keys' parents, both of whom are attorneys, have an interracial marriage. Her father Rick is black, while her mother Christine is white. Keys has four siblings - an older sister Sydney and two younger sisters named Montana and Hunter.
"Madison Keys can be the best in the world; she has potential to be No. 1 and win Grand Slams" - Serena Williams after Australian Open SF win
Serena Williams triumphed in her semifinal clash against Madison Keys at the 2015 Australian Open, claiming a 7-6(5), 6-2 victory to advance to the final. In her post-match press conference, the top seed paid glowing tribute to Keys, expressing her belief that the then-19-year-old had the potential to become World No. 1 and win Major titles.
"I think she'll be really good. I think she can go really, really far. I think she can be the best in the world. The way she played today I definitely think she has potential to be No. 1 and win Grand Slams. It's exciting to see," Williams said.
Following her win over Keys, Williams went on to beat Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6(5) in the final to clinch her sixth crown at the Melbourne Slam and 19th Grand Slam title overall.
Serena Williams and Madison Keys locked horns in two more high-profile matches, with the former World No. 1 emerging victorious on both occasions to establish a perfect 3-0 winning record against her compatriot.