PHOTOS: Madison Keys walks Brighton Beach for Australian Open champion's trophy shoot
The new queen of Melbourne Park was styled in a mineral blue mini dress for the occasion.
As someone who has lived in both Florida and California, Madison Keys has probably walked her fair share of beaches.
Her latest stroll in the sand, however, is unlike any that came before.
On Sunday, Keys was the center of attention in Brighton Beach, one of Melbourne’s most popular destinations.
For the famous row of 82 rainbow-inspired bathing boxes was the site of the photo shoot celebrating the newly-crowned Australian Open champion.
Read more: Lil’ Wayne praises AO champ Keys
With her hair down, Keys appeared to be styled in an 'Arella' linen mini dress from Reformation. Among the features of the “mineral” blue 'fit? A collared neckline, capped sleeves and a drop waist pleated skirt.
The night prior, Keys completed her maiden major title. The American, who turns 30 on Feb. 17, backed up her match-point saving semifinal win over No. 2-ranked Iga Swiatek by denying world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka a Rod Laver Arena three-peat with another dramatic three-set victory.
An evolution in her mental approach, aided by 'buying into' the concept of therapy, was a major factor in achieving this dream.
“In the past, if I ever had nerves come up or something, I typically would not play as well. So it started getting to the point where when nerves came up, I was thinking, ‘Oh, no, now I'm going to play badly.’ It would almost kind of start this internal panic,” Keys shared Saturday.
“For whatever reason, it was kind of just like this light bulb moment where I started really buying into, I can be nervous and I can still play good tennis. Like, those things can live together.”
Read more: Keys wins her first Grand Slam title by caring a little bit less
On Monday, Keys will join countrywomen Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro in the WTA’s Top 10.
The Lake Nona, Fla. resident will carry a 12-match win streak into her next appearance, having triumphed in Adelaide ahead of her Melbourne breakthrough.