After the U.S. Open: Tennis Pro Madison Keys on Competition, Health, and Happiness

Whether you’re a tennis expert, a casual tennis enthusiast, or a Thorne fan, you’ve likely seen Madison Keys’ name everywhere this year.
The professional U.S. tennis player and Thorne partner won the first United Cup on the U.S. team, secured her seventh WTA title in Eastbourne, made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and most recently, made the semifinals at the U.S. Open.
Needless to say, Keys has had quite the year. And that’s not taking into account her many other exciting moments.
Like during the round of 16 at Wimbledon when she switched her racquet mid-point – from her dominant right hand to her left – to break Mirra Andreeva’s serve. The move got her a lot of love on social media.
“I don’t even really remember doing that!” Keys says with a laugh. “It was just a reflex to make sure I got to the ball. It’s funny watching it now because in the moment it wasn’t something I really realized.”
And then there was the adversity she faced. Within 24 hours after her win over the legendary Venus Williams in the first round of the Canadian Open, Keys was forced to withdraw due to an ongoing hip injury.
All just two weeks before the U.S. Open, her favorite Grand Slam competition.
“I’m really happy with how I handled my injury recovery,” Keys says. “I think it shows with my result in New York.”
Ready for anything with Thorne
Watch a few minutes of any professional tennis match and you’ll immediately see just how physically and mentally demanding the sport is. And when you consider the number of matches in a single tournament and the number of tournaments, it’s even more impressive; players start in January, and they only get four weeks off at the end of the year.
“The tennis season is really long,” Keys says. “So, I have to make sure my body is consistently at its best and that I’m recovering properly at all times.”
That’s where even the smallest adjustment can make all the difference.
For example, when Keys goes to Wimbledon, she takes Thorne’s Magnesium Bisglycinate to help with jet lag.* The first matches often start in the late morning and all competition wraps before the 11 p.m. curfew. Matches are played on grass (which gets worn down as the tournament progresses). Temperatures are usually cooler and rain delays are common.
But just a few weeks later, it’s a totally different story. Keys enjoys the short flight from Orlando, Florida to the U.S. Open in New York. She also doesn’t have to deal with playing in a different time zone, an advantage because “the city that never sleeps” loves its night sessions with matches sometimes going into the early hours of the morning.
Players compete on hard courts and temperatures are often hot and humid (this year’s high was 95 degrees with over 50 percent humidity). Though she is used to training in the Florida heat, Keys is even more focused on hydrating.
But no matter where she plays and what the conditions are, Keys gets the support she needs from her favorite Thorne products during training, matches, the offseason, and on the go.
Her favorite Thorne supplements include Basic Nutrients 2/Day, FloraMend Prime Probiotic®, Super EPA, Glutathione-SR, Glucosamine & Chondroitin, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. Keys also takes Amino Complex during matches and training sessions, a favorite among many other Thorne partners.
“I don’t travel anywhere without pretty much all of my Thorne supplements,” she says. “Knowing I’m treating my body the best I can and that it has that type of support is really comforting.”
A veteran prioritizes her happiness and mental health
Since turning pro at age 14, Keys – like anyone who has been committed to a single pursuit for half their lifetime – has evolved personally and professionally during the last 14 years. The changes haven’t been huge, Keys says, but she sees her own growth and her health routine is no different.
Take her diet for example. While Keys has always eaten healthy, she wasn’t as keen on cooking at home in the early days of her professional career. But today, it’s a priority – not only for her physical health, but for her mental health as well.
“I’m very hands-on about what I’m eating, and I love trying new recipes!” she says. “Part of my wellness routine is about making time for things I enjoy doing that make me happy.”
Part of that is also surrounding herself with good company. Keys says her team helps her enjoy the day whether she is traveling, training, or practicing. And they are with her when she needs them most, not only on the court, but in the hours leading up to the match, when the mental battle really begins.
That’s when Keys leans on her routine – hanging out with her team, listening to music, and distracting herself with Instagram to pass the time and stay relaxed.
Once a match begins, it’s more about listening to her body. On changeovers, Keys hydrates and eats a quick snack if she needs it, and perhaps most importantly, takes a few deep breaths to clear her head before jumping back into the action.
“I do my best to focus on what I can control from my side of the net and stay present in the moment,” Keys says. “I know we all try to do that, but when your career relies on it, you put a lot more effort into it.”
Thorne is thrilled to partner with Madison, and is excited to bring you more health and wellness content. Check out Madison’s personal collection and follow her on Instagram.