Therapy and Tennis: Madison Keys Opens Up About a Topic Athletes Have Traditionally Avoided Discussing§
For decades, the world of professional sports has celebrated grit, stoicism, and mental toughness—often at the cost of emotional well-being. But a shift is underway. Leading the charge in tennis is American star Madison Keys, who is speaking candidly about mental health and the vital role therapy has played in her career.
In an arena where physical fitness is prioritized and mental resilience is expected, conversations around therapy have long been shrouded in stigma. Many athletes have quietly struggled with anxiety, depression, and the immense pressure of elite competition, choosing silence over vulnerability. Madison Keys is helping change that.
The former U.S. Open finalist and world No. 7 has opened up about her own journey with therapy, shedding light on the internal battles that often accompany the life of a professional athlete. “There’s this idea that if you’re talking to someone, it means you’re weak,” Keys said in a recent interview. “But for me, it’s been one of the strongest choices I’ve made.”
Keys describes how therapy has helped her cope with the rollercoaster of wins and losses, the burden of expectations, and the isolation that comes with constant travel. “You’re told to keep your head down and push through,” she explained. “But sometimes, pushing through means admitting you need help.”
Her openness comes at a time when more athletes across sports are breaking their silence. From Simone Biles stepping back at the Tokyo Olympics to Naomi Osaka taking breaks for her mental well-being, a new narrative is emerging—one where vulnerability is a form of strength.
Madison Keys has also taken her advocacy a step further by launching Kindness Wins, a non-profit focused on promoting kindness and mental wellness. Through this platform, she hopes to encourage not just fellow athletes but fans and youth to prioritize their mental health without shame.
Hr decision to speak out hasn’t just resonated with the tennis community—it’s struck a chord with people from all walks of life. “The messages I’ve gotten from fans who say they finally decided to go to therapy because they saw me talk about it—that’s what keeps me going,” Keys shared.
As more players follow her lead, the culture of silence around mental health in tennis is beginning to erode. Madison Keys may not have set out to be a trailblazer in this space, but by opening up, she’s helping redefine what strength looks like in sport—not just on the court, but off it too.
