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US tennis star Madison Keys said Thursday she hoped the United States can “come together and get back to the values that I think make our country great” when asked about President Donald Trump’s second term at the Australian Open.
The swipe came after Keys defeated Ashlyn Krueger in the second round of the Australian Open and ahead of her match against Karolina Pliskova. A reporter at the Grand Slam tournament has routinely asked American players about their thoughts on the United States a year into Trump’s second term.
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Madison Keyes of the United States reacts during the news conference ahead of the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
“One year into the second Trump administration, tensions in the US are pretty ridiculously high,” the journalist claimed. “I’m just wondering how you personally feel about what the Trump administration has done and how that has felt for you when you’ve spent time in the United States?”
“I think my position has been pretty obvious. I think it’s pretty obvious where I stand,” Keys responded. “I hope that as a country we can come together and get back to the values that I think make our country great.
Madison Keys of the United States plays a forehand return to compatriot Ashlyn Krueger during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
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“I’m not a fan of division. I think the beauty of the United States is that we’re a melting pot. We’re very diverse. We’re a home for immigrants. And I hope we can return to those values.”
Keys had similar criticism of Trump back in June during Wimbledon.
Madison Keys of the United States after her first round match against Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine during the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. (Jaimi Joy/Reuters)
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“Sometimes it’s hard to shut it off enough that you’re not pulling your hair out,” she said of the perceived challenges of trying to stay informed on national issues.
