Madison Keys has a good grip on reality in managing post-Australian Open expectations

Madison Keys notched her 14th consecutive win on Monday, though needed to put a second set that slipped away in the rear-view mirror at the BNP Paribas Open.

Taking on Elise Mertens, a competitor who’s proven capable of mounting comebacks throughout her career, Keys saw a set and 3-0 lead—and a total of four match points go to waste—before finding herself tied on the scoreboard.

The Australian Open champion regrouped to advance, 6-2, 6-7 (8), 6-4, and spoke about the challenge of managing her own expectations now that she’s a certified major title holder.

“I don't think I played my best level, and I think that was more frustrating just because I'm starting to expect a little bit more of myself. So just trying to navigate that,” Keys told press.

In Melbourne, five of the American’s seven victories were three-setters—including the final four of her magical run. By battling past Mertens, Keys improved to 9-0 in deciding sets this season.

“I think overall in Australia I played some really good tennis, and I think the further away from it you get, the more you kind of forget about the lulls of matches and the moments where you weren't playing great and you kind of just remember all of the really great, fun stuff,” said Keys, who also posted a trio of three-set victories during her Adelaide triumph.

“So I think it's also just having a good grip on reality, and that sometimes as great as Australia was and all the wins that I got, there were still some moments in matches where I didn't play great or things got away from me. So just being really conscious of that.”

The No. 5 seed has been to the quarterfinals just once in her prior 11 Indian Wells appearances. Keys awaits the winner of 10th-seeded countrywoman Emma Navarro and No. 19 seed Donna Vekic for a chance to match her 2022 showing.

“Emma is one of the grittiest players I think I have ever watched, and I got to watch her courtside at Billie Jean King Cup last year. Just kind of hearing her talk to herself and get herself through some tough matches and tough moments where she wasn't playing well was so impressive. I think it's one of her biggest weapons that she has,” complimented the 30-year-old.

“I think you can never really count her out, and I think that's why she's able to do as well as she does.”