"Pretty OCD" Madison Keys anticipates need for umbrella and tape during US Open bid with Frances Tiafoe

When the US Open rolls around in August, Madison Keys will be introduced as a Grand Slam champion for the first time at her home major.

While she now has an Australian Open title to her name, the world No. 6 is anticipating a different burden when she partakes in the reimagined mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows. Keys has her partner, Frances Tiafoe, to thank for it.

“It’ll be kind of tough to have to deal with Frances’ celebrity level. It’s gonna be a new experience for me,” the 2017 US Open runner-up said in a promotional video released by the tournament.

“I always tell him he is the most famous person that I know, so it’ll be a lot of pressure to be on the court with him. But I’ll try to rise to the occasion.”

Tiafoe couldn’t have been more thrilled to see his countrywoman go all the way in Melbourne, having picked up some off-court tips along the way in his journey to becoming a two-time semifinalist in Queens.

“I don’t think people realize how close me and Madi are. I love Madi, I’m so happy for her. I’ve been such a fan of her for so long,” he said.

“I’ve stayed in the same apartment building as hers. I used to ask her all kinds of questions, doing laundry and all that sort of stuff, cooking meals. We’ve been close for a really long time.”

The two were revealed to be a doubles tandem on an initial list of 16 teams that signed up to play mixed doubles in New York. For the first time, the event will be held during “Fan Week” in the lead-up to the US Open across two days using a condensed scoring format aimed at getting the biggest names in the sport to participate. Eight direct entries will be based on combined singles rankings, with USTA then selecting eight additional wild cards that do not make the July 28 cut.

I always tell him he is the most famous person that I know, so it’ll be a lot of pressure to be on the court with him. Madison Keys on Frances Tiafoe

Keys and Tiafoe have spent plenty of time on court in the past and based on those experiences, one of them will be prepared for more than just inclement weather.

“Having sat behind Frances at United Cup, mostly it’s just like, anytime he changes his shirt, I’m gonna have to put the umbrella up. We might have to clean that up,” Keys shared.

“I’m pretty OCD. I like a neat and tidy space. Or, we’ll have to get the tape out and divide the bench in half.”

The American duo came in at No. 7 on the first list of combined rankings released June 17. Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro led the field, with Zheng Qinwen and Jack Draper ranked second.