Jessica Pegula ended up winning the WTA 250 tournament in Austin so hopefully that makes Madison Keys feel a bit better over an odd rule that prevented her from playing at the ATX Open.
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After Keys won the Australian Open in an impressive way to lift her first Grand Slam title just before her 30th birthday, that also created one unusual problem for her - she couldn't compete in Austin anymore.
Since world No. 4 Pegula had already been confirmed as the top-10 player playing in Austin, that meant that one of the two would have to withdraw - all because of a WTA rule that states that only one top-10 can take part in a 250-category tournament.
Ultimately, the pick fell on the 2024 US Open runner-up.
And the 31-year-old didn't disappoint after winning five matches this past week to claim the Austin title in her debut at the tournament.
Pegula confirmed in Austin that Keys really wanted to play
When addressing the situation surrounding the reigning Australian Open champion, the world No. 4 said she was sorry for her fellow compatriot.
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"Its always tough when something like that happens, like with Madi, and shes not able to play," the now seven-time WTA winner said.
"Although I will say, I think that it was a pretty extreme, kind of rare circumstance, so I dont think shes killing herself over it, you know? She won the Australian Open, so I think shes pretty happy.
Also, Pegula confirmed that Keys was prepared to play at the ATX Openin case a spot for her opened up.
I know she did want to come play here, because she kept asking me if I was going to play, and if not, you know, I pulled out and she takes the log," the eventual champion revealed.
"She would still want to come here, but I think it just kind of depends on the player."
