Madison Keys US Open star breaks down after semi-final loss

Madison Keys broke down in tears at a press conference after her semifinals loss at the US Open, leaving fans gutted and rooting for her, as she struggled to contain her emotions post-match.  

On Thursday, Keys, 28, lost in three sets to No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka, who will face Coco Gauff for the women's title on Saturday. 

And after her defeat, Keys struggled to put her feelings into words while talking with reporters, and as a result, amassed support from tennis fans on social media.

After dominating the first set which she claimed 6-0, Keys wound up falling to the Belarusian 7-6, 7-6 in the subsequent sets.

Speaking to the press after the match, a clearly emotional Keys said she felt she had "started really well," adding: "I don't think she was playing her best at the start.

"And then from the second set it just got a lot closer. I was obviously up a break and I think serving for it I was tight, she played free.

"And then from there it just seemed like it was really kind of neck and neck.

'Yeah I just think, being able to take this and turn it into a positive is really possible,' said Madison Keys before pausing 10 seconds to push back tears. 'Yeah, there's a lot to be proud of and there's still a ton of tennis to be played this season.' 

Once the press conference was over, Keys, the No. 17 seed, wept a bit more as she walked off stage. 

As the press conference wore on, Keys was asked to reflect on the tournament as a whole and how she would have felt going into it knowing she'd reach the semi-finals.

"I think everyone at the start of the tournament would be really, really excited to be in the semis. Right now, it sucks," she admitted.

After taking a few seconds to compose herself, Keys went on to add: "Yeah I just think, being able to take this and turn it into a positive is really possible."

"Gave it my all," she wrote, adding: "This one hurts… but I know deep down there’s a lot to be proud of."

This marked Keys' best performance at the US Open since reaching the final in 2015.

The World No. 17 will now have to wait until January for her next shot to claim her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

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 Sarah H

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