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The American returned to the Top 10 by winning her first major title in Melbourne, rendering her unable to compete at the ATX Open in Austin due to ranking rules.

ByDavid Kane

Published Jan 29, 2025

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A bizarre ranking rule renders newly-minted Grand Slam champion Madison Keys unable to compete at a tournament in her home country, the ATX Open announcing that the reigning Australian Open champion is no longer eligible for the upcoming WTA 250 tournament due to her meteoric rise in the rankings.

The ATX Open, which takes place from February 22 to March 2, is held just before the annual Sunshine Swing of 1000-level U.S. hard-court tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

“As a 250-level tournament, the ATX Open is permitted to feature just one Top 10 player unless the defending champion returns as a Top 10 ranked player,” the tournament confirmed in a statement, citing the Hologic WTA Tour rules.

“With World No. 6 Jessica Pegula already committed to the event, WTA rules prevent us from having a second Top 10 player in the draw. When we entered an agreement with Madison, her ranking was World No. 21. Now with her title wins in both Adelaide and Melbourne, her ranking has moved to World No. 7. As a result of her new ranking, Madison will, unfortunately, not be able to compete in this year’s ATX Open.”

Keys rocketed up the WTA rankings after a wildly successful start to the 2025 season, winning back-to-back titles in Adelaide and Melbourne for her first major victory.

Keys rocketed up the WTA rankings after a wildly successful start to the 2025 season, winning back-to-back titles in Adelaide and Melbourne for her first major victory.

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Indeed, Keys began 2025 ranked outside the Top 20 before mounting a near-perfect start to the season, culminating with a maiden major victory over defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The results brought her back to a career-high ranking of No. 7, and is thus a Top 10 player.

“We love Madison and have been anticipating for months the excitement of her playing here in Austin for the first time,” said Tournament Director Christo van Rensburg. “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. We can’t wait to invite Madison again to future ATX Opens. We remain very excited to welcome Jessica to her first-ever ATX Open next month. She’s eager to compete in Austin.”

The full ATX Open field is yet to be announced.