Madison Keys revealed what her husband suggested before the Rome tournament: “But I'm too lazy”
Article by Luminița Paul – published Wednesday, 07 May 2025 22:05 / Updated Wednesday, 07 May 2025 22:11
American player Madison Keys (30 years old, 6th WTA) will debut in the WTA 1000 tournament directly in round 2, where he will meet Varvara Gracheva (France, 24, 65th WTA). Until then, she said that her husband and coach, Bjorn Frangelo, suggested to change her name to receive more support from the Italian public.
Madison Keys made his debut in the Rome tour in 2013, when he was 18 years old and did not pass qualifications. This season, however, he came to Foro Italico as a Grand Slam champion, after the title won in January at the Australian Open.
The new status did not change the motivation to succeed or repeat a good performance – he disputed the final in the WTA 1000 tournament in 2016 – although he still enjoys the emotions of one of the happiest moments in his tennis career.
“I don't think my life has changed so much since I won the Australian Open“She said in an interview for the Italian Supertennis channel.” More people want to talk to me, and obviously I have a beautiful trophy in my home, but life is still about the same, and I am still very happy to walk on the tennis court, hoping to win other trophies, “the number 6 WTA added.
But not only her status in tennis has changed since her last evolution in Rome, but also her personal life. Madison married in November 2024 with the former American player, her current coach Bjorn Fratangelo, with whom she was together since 2017.
The connection between them is obvious and has even made a funny exchange of replies about his Italian roots, which could bring Keys a little more support this week in Rome.
Madison Keys: “Bjorn joked that I should change my name”
“Bjorn was joking that I should change my last name this week, be Fratangelo“She said laughing.”I keep telling her that I will do it in the end. But now I'm busy. There are a lot of papers that I don't want to do now. I'm too lazy. But I got to find out something about where the family comes from“, Said the Grand Slam champion.
Fratango's family comes from a small region, not far from Rome, called Molise – an area of Italy which is often the subject of an old joke that says it does not exist. Keys knew about this joke, but confirmed in the interview that the place was very real.
Madison Keys next to his husband and coach, Bjorn Fratango Photo: Guliver/Gettyimages
“I think a few years ago, I was on the train and I saw the station with the name of his family's hometown and I said,” Oh, we should stop, go down and walk to see what is happening, “Madison said.
Although this stop did not occur, Keys feels grateful that she was warmly received by her husband's family – and enjoys the benefits of marriage with someone who has Italian roots.
“His family is amazing,” said the former 5 WTA number with sincerity. “I really liked to meet everyone. And I enjoy all the advantages of having entered a Italian family, like a lot of very good food, espresso and so on”.
“I am proud to say that I like to try to call myself a little Italian now,” he concluded with a wide smile. Hoping that the Italian public may adopt it this week.
