Madison Keys' Resilient Comeback: Battling Back Pain for US Open Glory

As the tennis world buzzes with anticipation for the US Open, one prominent figure, Madison Keys, finds herself navigating a familiar yet arduous challenge: a persistent back injury. The former US Open and Australian Open finalist is approaching her home Grand Slam with a blend of steely determination and daily, meticulous management of the pain that has literally become a 'weight on her back'.

Keys, a fierce competitor known for her powerful groundstrokes and formidable serve, recently made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

This move, while disappointing for fans, underscored the severity of her lower back issue and her commitment to prioritizing her health for the major event in Flushing Meadows. "It's definitely something that's been a bit of a weight on my back, literally," Keys openly admitted. "It's just a lot of day-to-day management, getting a lot of treatment, and just trying to be really proactive about it."

Despite the physical discomfort, Keys has shown flashes of brilliant form in the lead-up to the US Open.

Her journey through the North American hardcourt swing saw her reach the semi-finals at the Canadian Open in Montreal and a quarter-final berth in Washington. These performances are a testament to her resilience and ability to compete at an elite level even when not at 100 percent.

Her candid acknowledgment of the injury's impact is refreshing.

"Right now it's not great, but I know how to get through it and deal with it, and have really good people around me to just help me get out on the court and feel good about my game," she stated, highlighting the crucial support system around her, including coach Nick McInnes.

The US Open holds special significance for Keys.

It was here in 2017 that she made a memorable run to the final, ultimately falling to fellow American Sloane Stephens. That experience undoubtedly fuels her desire to lift the trophy on home soil. This year, her path to glory will be intertwined with her ability to manage her physical condition, turning her daily battle against pain into a powerful narrative of perseverance.

With a 'day by day' mantra, Madison Keys embodies the spirit of a true athlete pushing through adversity.

Her focus remains squarely on feeling good about her game and bringing her best to the courts of Flushing Meadows. As she steps onto the Grand Slam stage, all eyes will be on Keys, not just for her powerful tennis, but for the inspiring courage she displays in her quest for a major title, despite the odds.