Serve On SI

Madison Keys Shares Secrets to Preparing for US Open

Interview with tennis star Madison Keys about her diet, training, and career.

Pat Benson

Madison Keys is ready for the 2024 US Open.
Madison Keys is ready for the 2024 US Open. / Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

After turning pro at 14, Madison Keys has learned how to take care of her body and mind. The tennis star knows the importance of prioritizing nutrients and making wellness a core part of her routine.

Like many professional athletes, Keys trusts NSF Certified for Sport Thorne supplements to optimize training and recovery to put her in the best condition possible every single day she's on the court.

Despite recent injuries and being in the midst of planning her own wedding, she's feeling more prepared than ever for the US Open. Serve on SI spoke with the World No. 14 player about her training regimen, trust in Thorne, and goals for the rest of this season.

What made you want to partner with Thorne supplements?

"I had already been using Thorne on my own. It felt like the highest quality, and I loved having the NSF certification. We get tested all the time. So being able to have one less about the things you put in your body being absolutely clean always helps you sleep better at night.

I've always really loved their products. I've been so happy to be a partner; I got to walk around their facility about two years ago, and it was so pristine and perfect. It just made me feel that much better about taking their products.

So as an athlete, having the NSF label and seeing where all the ingredients are coming from and getting tested, I was so happy."

How are you feeling physically right now?

"I'm really good; looking forward to the US Open! I can't believe it's already in a week. I'm so excited to get to New York."

Are you doing anything different with your training?

"We haven't really been doing that much different. As far as in the gym, we have modified some of the strength training to be a little bit more rehab-specific. We have really upped the plyometrics and things like that. But no dramatic changes."

What is the least fun part of your training routine?

"I probably have two things. I hate warming up because I've done it twice a day, every day, for 20 years. And I hate push-ups. I hate doing push-ups so much."

Iga Swiatek recently called for less tournaments on the tour. Do you share that opinion?

"I think you have to be really smart with how you make your schedule. I've been on the WTA Tour full-time since I was 18, and I started when I was 14. So, I've been on the tour for a really long time and I think it's about knowing your body and maximizing the calendar to fit your needs. That's different for everyone.

It's hard to say we just need less tournaments, because a lot of people like to play every week. And there are a lot of tennis players and not a ton of opportunities at the elite level. So, I would never want to say we need less tournaments, which means less jobs for more people. So it's more about how to prioritize for your own career."

If you wave a magic wand and change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

"I would say ban five sets. I've followed way too many five-set matches at Slams, and I'm sure the fans love it. But selfishly, I don't want to wait seven hours for a tennis match (laughs)."

We saw a lot of drama and beef among tennis players at the Olympics. But everyone loves you. What is your secret to being so beloved?

"I think that I just say it like it is. I'm very honest and up-front with everyone. I've always lived my life by 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything'. And these are the people I see every single week, so I always want to have a lot of friends in the locker room."

Besides yourself, who is your favorite player on tour?

"I'm going to have to say, Jenny Brady. I love her, we grew up together, I've known her since I was ten years old, trained together. So, I'm very excited for Jenny to be back on tour."

It's been a crazy year for you - Strasbourg and then Wimbledon. What would a successful end of this season look like to you?

"For me, success has started to become having my own personal goals that have nothing to do with the outcome of matches. They change depending on the tournament and, honestly, depending on the day.

For me, success is going out and having a personal performance goal and, more days than not, being able to say I completed that goal. I think if you're able to do that day in and day out, good things will happen and you can be proud of yourself and keep your head up."

For athletes and fans wanting to know more about Keys' preferred supplements. Below is a breakdown of her Go-To Thorne products:

Basic Nutrients 2/Day

  • A daily multi with key nutrients that keep your body healthy and thriving.
    - NSF Certified for Sport®.

Amino Complex

  • Amino Complex is key during matches and training sessions, and a favorite among many other Thorne partners.
  • High in essential amino acids (EAAs), including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It promotes muscle mass and enhances energy production to support your muscles and your love for training and weightlifting.
    - NSF Certified for Sport®.

Whey Protein Isolate – Chocolate

  • Great tasting, high-quality whey protein designed for athletes, aging individuals, and anyone requiring additional support for muscle repair.

    - NSF Certified for Sport®.

Magnesium Bisglycinate

  • An ideal formula for active individuals wanting to unwind. Magnesium Bisglycinate is a lightly sweetened powder that is well-tolerated and well-absorbed.

    - NSF Certified for Sport®.
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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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