The rule that prevents Keys from playing the Austin tournament
Madison Keys is a Grand Slam champion. Crowned at the Australian Open, the 29-year-old American will have to digest her new status over the coming weeks.
One of the new world No. 7's next tournaments should have been in Austin, which hosts its annual event from February 22 to March 2.
However, Madison Keys will not be able to take part in the tournament due to a very specific point of regulation.
Indeed, only a top-10 player can participate, but Jessica Pegula has already been announced in the draw. As a result, Keys won't be able to play in front of her own fans.
"With her historic victory at the Australian Open, Madison Keys has won her first ever Grand Slam title, a great achievement that should be celebrated.
This remarkable success has opened the doors to the top 10, which has consequences for her participation in the ATX Open in Austin", writes the tournament organization.
"As a WTA 250 tournament, only a player in the top 10 is allowed to play in the main draw, unless the defending champion returns as a player in the top 10.
This is the only condition that would allow two top-10 players in the same tournament. This helps to balance the draw for WTA tournaments held elsewhere during the same week.
World number 6 Jessica Pegula has already committed to take part in the tournament. WTA rules therefore prevent us from having a second top-10 player in the draw.
When we reached an agreement with Madison for her to take part in this year's edition, she was ranked 21st in the world.
With her titles in Adelaide and Melbourne, she's now ranked 7th. As a result, Madison will, unfortunately, not be able to take part in this year's ATX Open."
