The achievements of Keys are particularly notable given the significant injury challenges she faced in 2024.
Last year, the 29-year-old athlete was unable to participate in the Australian Open due to a shoulder injury, and subsequently, a hamstring issue caused her exit from Wimbledon in the fourth round.
With a strong desire to continue her competitive career, Keys opted for a significant alteration, following the recommendation of her coach, who is now her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo.
Fratangelo persuaded her to transition from her Wilson racquets to those manufactured by the Japanese brand Yonex, believing this change would help reduce her susceptibility to injuries.
“I possess no understanding of why I favor this particular racquet, its functionalities, or any of its precise characteristics. I simply realized, upon grasping it, that it felt exceptionally comfortable, and that sensation sealed the decision,” Keys communicated to Bounces on Tuesday., external
Moreover, shortly before their November wedding, Fratangelo compelled a “reluctant and protesting” Keys to undertake a complete revision of her serving technique.
“Should one decide to dismantle aspects, it makes sense to dismantle all of them, doesn’t it?” she remarked.
