Madison Keys cut a disconsolate figure after last night’s US Open match, and justifiably so.
After all, the American seemed certain to have secured her spot in the fourth round, having stretched out a commanding 5-0 lead in the third and final set.
What happened next was totally inexplicable, but indicative of the unique torture that the tennis scoring system provides.
Qinwen Zheng snatched one game, and before she knew it, had reeled off seven in a row to snatch the set and the win from Madison Keys.
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It is arguably the cruellest way to lose, particularly at a Grand Slam, and even more disappointing in her home country.
As such, when she trudged into her post-match press conference, it was clear Keys was upset.
Madison Keys fights back tears in emotional press conference
Throughout this brief chat in the US Open media room, Keys routinely fought back tears.
Asked about the collapse, she began whilst attempting to steady her shaky tone, admitting: “Um, yeah, I mean, I feel like I obviously got off to a really good lead, and then… I just… got really… I mean, not really scared, but, like, I couldn’t swing. I don’t know.
“Tennis just feels really hard right now, so… I feel like that kind of took over.”
The 31-year-old then expanded on that crushing quote, explaining: “I mean, I just feel like… I’ve kind of been struggling for a while now, and I feel like I’ve been able to kind of play through it for a bit. I’m sure everyone could kind of see that I was struggling a little bit, but, inside, it’s felt probably even bigger than that.
“Yeah, it just… sometimes it’s easier than others, and this week is obviously one of the harder ones, just because you care so much, and… Yeah, I’m gonna have to make some sort of changes.”
These changes drew the interest of another reporter, who then asked for more details there, to which she replied: “Um… I just kind of keep pushing it off and pushing it off, just because that’s how the tennis world works, and it’s just to the point where I actually need to do something about it.”
It was a wholly heartbreaking interview, given by one of tennis’ most likeable and honest individuals.
Martina Navratilova gave her assessment after Zheng beat Keys, attempting to analyse such heartbreak.
Madison Keys gets a taste of her own medicine during US Open loss
Keys really endured both ends of the spectrum that the tennis scoring system can provide this week.
After all, in her second-round match against Anna Bondar, she saved five match points before staging a dramatic comeback to win their three-set clash on a match tiebreak.
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Afterwards, she cut a jubilant figure, laughing as she joked with fans.
Today, the same principles have left her shattered.
Behind the scenes, Keys alluded to something going on. Whatever it is, the tennis world will be hoping she can find some sort of solution, because when she is playing her best tennis, with a smile on her face, it’s a joy to watch.
