Australian Open Champion Stripped of Title Months After Victory Due to Unusual Disqualification Rule

Australian Open champion Madison Keys has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming tournament in Austin, Texas, next month due to a lesser-known WTA regulation.

The 29-year-old American delivered an impressive performance to defeat Aryna Sabalenka and claim the title in Australia last Saturday.

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Although she is a former U.S. Open champion from 2017, Keys entered the tournament as the 19th seed and was not expected to win.

After achieving her first Major victory and securing a win at the WTA 500 event in Adelaide the week before, Keys’ world ranking has surged to a career-high of No. 7.

While Keys is enjoying her new status as a Grand Slam champion, her increased ranking has led to a scheduling challenge.

She was set to compete in the ATX Open in Austin, beginning on February 24.

However, WTA regulations state that only one player from the top 10 can participate in 250-point events.

This rule is intended to “ensure balanced competition across all WTA events held during the same week.”

Jessica Pegula, another American and currently ranked No. 6, has already entered the Austin tournament as the top 10 player.

When Keys registered for the Austin event, she was ranked No. 21.

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With her recent ascent into the top 10, Keys cannot compete alongside Pegula in this tournament.

In a statement regarding Keys’ withdrawal, tournament director Christo Van Rensburg expressed: “We adore Madison and have eagerly anticipated her competing here in Austin for the first time.”

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“While we regret that the Top 10 rule affects our tournament, we comply with WTA regulations.”

During the same week as the Austin event, there will also be a WTA 500 tournament in Merida, Mexico, where Keys may choose to compete instead.

Keys was expected to return for the Qatar Open next month, but has had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury.

As of now, she remains on the entry list for the WTA 1000 event the following week in Dubai, commencing on February 16.

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