Just weeks after her stunning Grand Slam breakthrough at the Australian Open, Madison Keys has pulled out of the Qatar Open, leaving fans wondering about the toll her emotional and physically demanding run took on her body.
The 29-year-old American was in peak form in Melbourne, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 final to claim her first-ever Grand Slam title. However, her absence from the Doha event, reportedly due to a hamstring injury, raises questions about her long-term fitness and upcoming schedule.
Did Melbourne take a bigger toll than we thought?
While Keys showed no clear signs of injury during her spectacular run, there were subtle hints that her body was feeling the strain.
- She played a grueling semifinal against Iga Swiatek, saving a match point at 5-6 in the third set before winning in a deciding tiebreak.
- She wore a thigh bandage during the final, though it didn’t seem to visibly affect her movement.
- The intensity of back-to-back deep runs in a Grand Slam often leads to undisclosed physical issues.
The WTA confirmed that Keys’ withdrawal was due to a hamstring injury, though the American herself has yet to make a public statement—likely still soaking in the emotions of her long-awaited Grand Slam success.
Keys rarely plays the Middle East swing—was this expected?
While her absence is disappointing, Keys has never been a regular at the Qatar Open.
- She hasn’t played in Doha since 2018, where she lost in the second round.
- The Dubai Championships, the other key event of this swing, has also rarely featured in her schedule.
- She skipped both Middle East WTA 1000 tournaments last season due to an injury.
Given her historical pattern, this withdrawal might not be entirely surprising, especially since recovery and preparation for bigger events—such as Indian Wells and Miami—could be a smarter long-term move.
Qatar Open field remains stacked with WTA’s biggest stars
Even without Keys, Doha will still showcase an elite field, including:
- Aryna Sabalenka – The world No. 1 and Australian Open runner-up returns to defend her WTA 1000 title after skipping the event last year.
- Iga Swiatek – The four-time Grand Slam winner looks to bounce back from her heartbreaking Australian Open semifinal loss.
- Coco Gauff – The American teenager is on a mission to prove she can win big titles outside the US after her quarterfinal exit in Melbourne.
What’s next for Madison Keys?
While Keys’ withdrawal raises concerns, it also suggests she is taking a cautious approach to her schedule—especially after achieving the career-defining moment she’s been chasing for years.
Her likely focus? Rest, recovery, and making a statement at Indian Wells and Miami, two of the biggest hardcourt events of the season.
For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see the newest Grand Slam champion back in action—but when she does return, expect a stronger, healthier, and more confident Madison Keys.