Marriage, coffee expert Madison Keys conquers controversial Danielle Collins at Australian Open

Madison Keys ended Danielle Collins’ wild week at the 2025 Australian Open, conquering the controversial American, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.

A former finalist, Collins drew ire from the Melbourne crowd and became a national story after defeating Aussie Destanee Aiava in the second round; playing with a bandaged left knee, the No. 10 seed was unable to replicate her earlier success Down Under and the No. 19-seeded Keys advanced in one hour and 23 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

“We’ve been playing each other since we’ve been 12 years old,” Keys told Jelena Dokic on court. “We’ve had some battles and she’s such a fighter who always leaves everything out there. So, it’s really difficult playing her.”

Keys was the obvious favorite with the Laver crowd throughout the match, but won over even more fans after the victory with a ringing endorsement of the Melbourne coffee scene.

“I think Australia has some of the best coffee in the world. I feel like I’m yet to have a bad cup of coffee here. I’ve had lots of coffee all over the world, and I’d say that Australia’s is at the top of my list. I drink lots of it, so I kind of know what I’m talking about. I would say that there’s lots of spots in Melbourne that I go to, and I think it’s probably my favorite.”

Collins, by contrast, endured boos as she entered and exited the court, but appeared unbothered by the mixed reception as she continues a bonus year on tour; the American had planned to retire at the end of 2024 but opted to extend her career in what was an emotional decision following struggles with fertility.

A former world No. 7, Keys has made an excellent start to the 2025 season, winning her ninth career WTA title at the Adelaide International and a sixth second week at the Australian Open, having reached the semifinals as a teenager back in 2015.

“I’ve been playing some good tennis. I always really love playing in Australia. I’ve a lot of really great success here, so being able to win another title here and being in the fourth round is amazing.”

Keys made numerous changes in the off-season, switching from her longtime Wilson racquet to a Yonex EZONE and marrying longtime coach and former ATP pro Bjorn Fratangelo. The 29-year-old addressed the latter with her inimitable dry sense of humor.

“So far, so good!” she said of married life. “It’s been good. I’m a pro now. We’ve been married for about two months, so if you need marital advice, just call me. We’ve got it all figured out so far. But yeah, it’s been really good.

“Having to admit that he’s right isn’t always my favorite thing, and it happens a lot more than I want it to,” she added to chuckles from the crowd. “But, I’m learning to just kind of nod and he knows that I’m saying he’s right.”

Keys will next face No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina in what will be a highly-anticipated clash of big hitters. Rybakina, a finalist in 2023, edged past 2024 semifinalist Dayana Yastremska in straight sets and has played solid tennis despite entering Melbourne under a controversial coaching cloud—officially working with Goran Ivanisevic amid reports that she aimed to re-hire provisionally suspended coach Stefano Vukov.

Keys and Rybakina have played four times, splitting their meetings at two wins apiece; Rybakina won their most recent encounter last spring at the Miami Open.