Madison Keys has been a high-quality mainstay at the apex of the WTA Tour for years now, but only last year did she secure her place in the history books.
She kicked off her 2026 campaign with a run of form unlike anything she had ever managed before, not only surging to the title in Adelaide, but backing that up with a run to the Australian Open title.
It marked her first Grand Slam triumph and her first final since 2017. At last, she had broken through.
However, it is her consistency at the top of the sport for so long which has earned Madison Keys this latest accolade, actually moving up alongside Venus Williams, such is her elite-level longevity.
Madison Keys matches Venus Williamsβ impressive accolade
The statistic in question was pointed out by OptaAce, posted after her latest win at the Australian Open.
She breezed past KarolΓna PlΓΕ‘kovΓ‘ in straight sets, continuing her run of having yet to lose a set all tournament thus far.
Itβs the end of the 2026 seasonβ¦ How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the commentsπ
And, in beating the Czech star, this brought about a 125th win at a Grand Slam for Keys.
She is now just the second active player to claim 125 Womenβs Singles match wins at major events, with only Williams ahead of her.
Naturally, it seems unlikely that the 30-year-old will catch the 45-year-oldβs record of 271 wins.
Frances Tiafoe spoke about Venus Williamsβ wildcard at the Australian Open, after the legendary veteran was unable to extend that to 272.
Madison Keys faces a tough next Australian Open match
Keysβ Australian Open draw has been somewhat challenging thus far, although that difficulty is set to ramp up dramatically in the next round.
After all, whilst Ashlyn Krueger and Pliskova represent tricky unseeded opponents, she will now have to face the world number six and good friend Jessica Pegula for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
Keys leads their head-to-head record by a narrow two wins to one margin, and she did taste victory last time out in the final at Adelaide last year.
However, Pegula reached the semi-final of the most recent major in New York, whereas Keys was dumped out in the very first round.
Both are currently in fine form and considered genuine threats for the Australian Open title.
Whoever comes out of this match as the victor will certainly have reinforced their title credentials significantly.
