At the 2025 French Open in Paris, Taylor Townsend shared a heartfelt embrace with Madison Keys following Keys’ advancement to the singles quarterfinals. Townsend also warmly greeted Keys’ full-time coach and husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, highlighting their close-knit friendship during this significant tournament moment.

While Madison Keys secured her place in the singles quarterfinals on Monday, Townsend remains a strong contender in the doubles competition, having reached the quarterfinal round alongside her partner. This touching encounter took place in the locker room arena, underscoring the strong bond between Townsend, Keys, and Fratangelo.

A Longstanding Friendship Strengthened on Tour

Taylor Townsend and Madison Keys have shared a friendship that dates back to their teenage years, frequently seen supporting each other at WTA events. Their friendship recently gained attention in January after both achieved success at the Australian Open—Keys winning the singles title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, and Townsend capturing the doubles crown with partner Katerina Siniakova against Su-Wei Hsieh and Jelena Ostapenko.

Reflecting on Keys’ milestone, Townsend expressed profound happiness and support for her friend’s accomplishment. She also revealed more personal moments that have defined their relationship off the court.

“I can’t even put into words how happy I am for her. You know, the first is always so great, and it’s like kind of a relief. She’s been close before, and I can attest to that feeling in doubles … Getting over the hump is getting over the hump no matter what,” Taylor Townsend said. (via tennis.com)

“I was spending every weekend at Madison’s house. I was spending the night at her house multiple times. She introduced me to country music and took me through a country phase,” she added.

This year marks Keys’ 13th appearance at the French Open, while Townsend competed in the singles draw last year but was eliminated in the first round by Anastasia Potapova.

Townsend’s Support During Keys’ 2023 Wimbledon Challenge

Both players have reached the quarterfinals at this year’s French Open, with Keys set to face Coco Gauff, and Townsend, paired with Katerina Siniakova, scheduled to compete against Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic. Townsend recounted the difficult moment at the 2023 Wimbledon semifinals when Keys had to retire due to injury.

“When she hurt herself and had to pull out, and I saw her in the locker room, and I just hugged her. She cried on my shoulder, and I’m, like, It’s going to be OK, it’s going to be OK,'” Taylor Townsend said. (via tennis.com)

“It’s times in those moments where you don’t know what’s going to happen, and she thought she tore a hamstring, and it was just a lot of uncertainty. So for me, like, as a friend, I’m just so genuinely happy because you see people overcome certain things, and you see people go through things,” she added.

Townsend’s perspective on Keys’ journey highlights how the American has overcome setbacks to ultimately triumph at the highest level. Townsend credits Keys’ determination and resilience as a source of inspiration for herself and others on tour.

“To know that they put their head down and just work, and just you hope for the best. I just can’t even put into words how happy I am, and it inspired me. I look at Madison and all the things that she’s been through,” she concluded.

Townsend’s Ongoing Campaign in Mixed Doubles

In addition to her efforts in doubles, Townsend is still competing in the mixed doubles tournament at the French Open. She and her partner will face Laura Siegemund and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the quarterfinal stage on Tuesday, continuing her pursuit of further success at Roland Garros.

The visible support Townsend shows for Madison Keys during the French Open quarterfinals demonstrates the meaningful connections athletes build amid the pressure of major tournaments. Their friendship, forged over years of shared experiences and victories, adds a human element to the competitive spirit on display, offering fans inspiring stories alongside the thrilling tennis action.