US OPEN

August 31, 2023

Madison Keys

Press Conference

M. KEYS/Y. Wickmayer

6-1, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Under an hour. Assess your performance this afternoon.

MADISON KEYS: Obviously a really good day. Can't really ask for anything much better. I think I kind of went in with the mindset of taking care of my side of the court, and I think I did a really good job of that today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. You certainly did that today. Yanina was playing well on her comeback, and yet you were just on your top form with that. Can you just describe what was the most enjoyable thing about that performance today?

MADISON KEYS: I think, you know, she's obviously a really great player and has had a remarkable career. I knew going into it that, I mean, there was a reason that she had the career that she did. So I knew that even with her comeback she could play some really good tennis.

From the start I just, you know, tried to keep my head down and really focus on my side of the court and really take care of my service games. Then any opportunity that I had in the return games to just even get a chance of a break, I tried to take that. You know, I think obviously once things started rolling I just got a little bit more confident.

Q. How did the assessment of your team, from Georgi, from Bjorn, how was their assessment of your performance? Were they quite satisfied with your whole play today?

MADISON KEYS: Definitely satisfied with how things went today. I think there is definitely some things that we can still work on moving forward, so going to try to work on those things tomorrow.

But overall, it's always good when you have a good day at the office, so looking to take that into the next round.

Q. What's the thing that made you become a Chicago Cubs fan? I heard you were a Cubs fan back in the day or still now.

MADISON KEYS: My grandpa. I'm from the Quad Cities. It's not that far from Chicago. My grandpa is a diehard Cubs fan, always has been. It was basically not even a choice to be anything other than a Cubs fan. Here I am as a Cubs fan (smiling).

Q. Speaking of just another person that is prominent in the sport is John Isner. He just had his final singles match in a great battle with Michael Mmoh. Can you talk about any of the interactions you've had with Johnny I. and your thoughts about his career.

MADISON KEYS: I've known John for a really long time. I was watching the match with Michael before we went out. I think all of us were. There was like 15 people crowded around the TV. He's obviously had a phenomenal career and I'm going to be really sad to see him go.

But I was talking to him the other day, and he was very excited to get home. He said he's going to be more tired than ever now having all four of his kids all of the time.

It's sad to see him go, but obviously has had a phenomenal career.

Q. Liudmila next round. Just your assessment about that matchup and how you know it's going to be a first-rate battle.

MADISON KEYS: Obviously going to be whoever can get on offense as quickly as possible. That's just kind of the matchup it's going to be.

We have played each other, I think we've played twice. I think we've won one. She's been playing some really good tennis. I feel like I have had a pretty good season so far as well.

I mean, it's really going to come down to who can go for things at the right time, who can reel back at other times. It's always, you know, the smallest of margins when you're playing someone who plays like that. Looking forward to it.

Q. Taylor Townsend getting that big win against Beatriz yesterday, and then with Leylah, can you talk about the joy she's showing from how long you have known her all the way? And have you seen the Barbie movie yet?

MADISON KEYS: So happy to we see Taylor get that win yesterday and then follow it up with the doubles win. I love Taylor. Have had the joy of playing doubles with her.

She's such a hard worker, and she's been so committed in her comeback. Seeing her get out there and battle and, you know, beat some of the people who are playing really, really great tennis. It's amazing to see.

I haven't seen Barbie yet. I'm going to get there eventually or I will watch it on a plane, which is how I see most of my movies these days.