US Open semi-finalist Madison Keys has revealed how a former Grand Slam winner left a heart-warming act note in her locker room during her last match.
The 28-year-old defeated Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-4 to reach the last four of the tournament in Flushing Meadows for the third time in her career. The world No. 17 is not short on supporters, with former US Open victor Sloan Stephens backing her all the way.
The two Americans faced off in the final of the tournament in 2017, with Stephens eventually emerging as the winner. However, it appears that the pair have a close relationship off the court, with the one-time major winner having sent her best wishes before Keys' quarter-final clash.
She pulled out all the stops to offer some words of encouragement in her compatriot's locker room for her to read as she prepared for the match. With her pal going up against the formidable reigning Wimbledon champion Vondrousova, her note said: "Madi, let’s do this baby! Keep fighting! Always proud of you. – Sloane."
It is obvious that Stephens harbours no hard feelings about how she fared in the tournament, which she exited after losing to Beatriz Haddad Maia in the opening round. Instead, the selfless superstar seemed determined to ensure her friend felt supported before her crucial match.
Novak Djokovic hit with another US blow as vaccine mandate extended to April
Stephens took to her Twitter/X page to let her followers know that she had offered some support to her friend, posting a video of her posting it. Her caption read: "Little goodluck love note for my girlie."
She also posted a video indicating her plans to surprise her close pal, saying: "OK, since I am here, I’m gonna leave a little love note in Madi’s locker and hopefully she gets it after the match". It is clear that the act of kindness was well-received by Keys, who quoted the post with two heart emojis and a picture of the note.
Madison Keys is looking to win the first Grand Slam of her career at this year's US Open (AP)Afterward, Stephens expressed her delight that the surprise had gone down well with her compatriot as she took to her Instagram stories to post another message in reaction to Keys' response. This time, she said: "She got my note! This is good luck!! I need to overnight one for the next match!! Let’s do this baby!!!"
With the former world No. 7 becoming the second American to reach the last four of the women's draw, the chances of a homegrown winner at Flushing look high. If Stephens can get past the tournament's No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka, she could face fellow U.S. star Coco Gauff in the final.
In the case of Gauff, the 19-year-old prodigy has the Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova to overcome if she is to reach the showpiece. Whoever does make it through will play for the trophy on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
