Australian Open champion Madison Keys forced out of ATX Open immediately after grand slam win

Australian Open champion Madison Keys has been forced out of an upcoming tournament immediately after — and as a result of — her first ever grand slam triumph.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful start to her 2025 season, taking out the title in Adelaide before lifting the trophy in Melbourne.

But her rise from 21st in the rankings at the turn of the year to the new world No.7 has come at a cost due to a specific WTA rule around top-10 players.

Keys is no longer permitted to compete in the ATX Open in Austin, Texas at the end of February because world No.6 and fellow American Jessica Pegula is already locked into the draw.

WTA rules do not allow 250-level tournaments — the smallest events on the elite tour — to host two players who are ranked inside the top 10, unless one is the defending champion.

The rule was implemented to spread talent across the multiple tournaments that take place each week.

Keys has had three stints inside the top 10 in her career but had spent almost all of the past three years ranked between 11th and 25th.

ATX Open organisers said they had come to an agreement with Keys last year when she was ranked 21st.

But the reward for winning a grand slam is so great that Keys catapulted comfortably into the top 10.

“Every year the ATX Open strives to bring some of the top women’s players in the world to Austin to compete in our tournament. This year is no exception,” tournament director Christo van Rensburg said.

“The success of Madison in Australia, where she played legendary tennis on a world stage, is further proof that the ATX Open is attracting the best talent in the game.

“We love Madison and have been anticipating for months the excitement of her playing here in Austin for the first time.

“While we wish the Top 10 rule didn’t apply to our tournament, we respect the rules of the WTA.

“That said, Madison’s Grand Slam title and subsequent Top 10 world ranking are both something to celebrate.”

It is unclear if Pegula received the spot because she had committed earlier or because she is ranked higher than Keys.

In any case, tournament officials were evidently not about to start a fight with the WTA or Pegula despite the coup it would be to have Keys in the draw.

“We can’t wait to invite Madison again to future ATX Opens,” van Rensburg said.

“We remain very excited to welcome Jessica to her first ever ATX Open next month. She’s eager to compete in Austin.”