“Definitely inspiring” – Gauff on Keys’ breakthrough and commitment to change

Both Americans are through to the fourth round at Indian Wells and could meet in the quarter-finals

Madison Keys and Coco Gauff (USA), Eastbourne 2023 Image Credit: Action Plus / Psnewz

March 11, 2025

It’s never easy for some tennis players to make changes to certain aspects of their game – such a technique or equipment. Coco Gauff, already a US Open champion, has been on that journey – working on her forehand and her serve in recent months.

The 20-year-old American has been committed to the change process even though the results are not always immediate. And Gauff says that she has been inspired by countrywoman Madison Keys‘ success following the changes that the new Australian Open champion has been making.

Keys has worked on changes over the past year, including her racket and her serve. A culmination of those along with her new and happier mindset led to her Grand Slam breakthrough at this year’s Australian Open. And Gauff has been inspired by watching her compatriot’s success.

“Definitely inspiring just because I’m in that process, and the fact that she committed to it maybe what people consider later in her career,” Gauff told the media in Indian Wells on Monday when asked about Keys. “I wasn’t surprised by her winning. I think she’s one of those players you play and she’s just so good and she has the capability of beating anyone on any given day, and she certainly proved that in the past and certainly proved that in Australia.”

“It’s great to see her finding her — I don’t even want to say finding her game, because she’s been playing great tennis for so long, but I guess finally having the trophy that she deserves with the level of her game, she definitely has one of the highest levels on tour. It’s good to see, like, she get a slam and she deserved it.”

Madison_Keys-Australian_Open-2025 — Mike Frey-Imagn Images/Sipa USA/SIPA

She just looks a lot happier lately. I think that was kind of the biggest change more than anything technically in her game.

Gauff added that she has observed Keys’ being happier in recent times, which she feels has been the biggest change for the new Australian Open champion. The two are both into the last 16 at this week’s BNP Paribas Open and could meet in the quarter-finals.

“She just looks a lot happier lately. I think that was kind of the biggest change more than anything technically in her game. I think she just gives more positive — not that she’s ever negative, but I feel like I can feel energy off of people, and when I’m around her, she seems a bit happier. Even before winning Australia, to me she felt like she was happier around the locker room and things like that. I usually feel when players are in that mindset they tend to do better. So it’s good to see her, like, win and also be kind of happy while doing it.”