Australian Open: 'Just let go' – Keys' grand slam advice to Zverev

Madison Keys urged Alexander Zverev to let go of the stress of competing for a grand slam title when he takes on Jannik Sinner with the Australian Open on the line.

Keys became the second-oldest player in the Open Era to win their first Australian Open title, after Li Na in 2014, when she beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 2-6 7-5 on Saturday at Melbourne Park.

The American's against-the-odds triumph marked her maiden major victory, at 29.

Keys spoke afterwards of how she had "let go" of her desire to win a grand slam, having learned how to be content with her career regardless of a major success.

29,342 - Madison Keys is the oldest player to defeat the World No. 1 and No. 2 in semi-finals and final at a Grand Slam event since the WTA Rankings were published in 1975. Star. #AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/4SlJBaOKbk
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 25, 2025

Zverev is in a similar boat, with the men's world number two yet to win a grand slam. That is despite featuring in two previous finals prior to Sunday's clash with reigning Australian Open champion Sinner.

The German has a win-loss record of 107-35 at the majors – his 75.4% win ratio in such competitions is the best of any player in the Open Era not to win a grand slam (minimum 10 matches played).

Asked if she had any advice for Zverev, Keys said: "I think at some point it's really just kind of letting go of the stress of will I ever win one.

"Not really worrying about [that] and just playing tennis. At the end of the day, that's all you can control.

"You can only control your side of the court. That's all you can focus on.

"If you put yourself in that position enough times, then usually good things happen."

At 27 years and 281 days, Zverev could become the oldest man to win a maiden grand slam title since Stan Wawrinka, who was aged 28 years and 304 days when he triumphed at the 2014 Australian Open.