Madison Keys and Bjorn Fratangelo’s love story is one for the tennis books, blending competitive grit with romance and partnership. After six years of dating, Bjorn popped the big question to Madison in March 2023. The proposal? Far from a grand spectacle—it was an intimate moment at home, right on their couch, as Bjorn handed her a “birthday present” and then dropped to one knee. Madison’s response? A delighted yes—and an enduring love for that couch.
By November 2024, the couple tied the knot in a dreamy South Carolina wedding at The Dunlin resort, surrounded by tennis stars like Jessica Pegula, Sloane Stephens, and Jennifer Brady. Madison Keys described the weekend as the best of her life, while Bjorn reflected on Instagram how he couldn’t wait to spend forever with her.
Who Is Madison Keys’ Husband, Bjorn Fratangelo?
Madison Keys’ husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, a professional tennis player from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has his own compelling story. He first gained attention in 2011, winning the French Open boys’ title at just 17, a feat that skyrocketed his ranking to No. 2. While his career had its ups and downs—like a significant leg injury in 2018—Bjorn clawed his way back, securing his third ATP Challenger Tour title later that year. He credits Madison and his family for helping him through tough times, saying their support reignited his passion for the sport.
The couple first crossed paths in Boca Raton, Florida, where they trained at the same facility and bonded through a mutual circle of friends. They officially started dating in 2017 and even ventured onto the court as a mixed doubles pair at the US Open in 2021. Though they lost their debut, the experience was filled with laughs and strategy discussions—a hallmark of their easy, supportive dynamic.
Their relationship evolved in unexpected ways when Bjorn took on a coaching role for Madison in 2023. It was a pivotal moment, with Bjorn asking Madison some tough questions about her ambitions in the sport. Under his guidance, Madison Keys adopted a “go-for-it” mentality and made strategic changes, from using a new Yonex racquet to tweaking her service action.
The results have been remarkable: Madison reached the semifinals of the 2023 US Open and kicked off 2025 by making her first Australian Open final. Bjorn admits coaching his wife is nerve-wracking, especially watching from the sidelines, but his admiration for her drive and potential is clear.
Beyond the court, the couple thrives in their shared love for the simple things. During the pandemic, they quarantined together, balancing each other out—Bjorn being the structured planner and Madison the laid-back counterpart. Whether it’s morning coffee, impromptu hitting sessions, or just couch time, they’ve found joy in the “normalcy” that comes with being a team, on and off the court. As Madison put it, even in their high-profile tennis careers, they’re just a “regular couple” who treasure the little things.
Who Are Madison Keys’ Parents? What’s Her Ethnicity?
Madison Keys’ story isn’t just about her explosive forehand or her fearless approach to tennis; it’s also a testament to her parents, Rick and Christine Keys, who poured their hearts into making her dreams a reality. Madison Keys’ mother, Christine Keys, is of European ethnicity, while her father, Rick Keys, is African-American. This makes Madison biracial, a fact she has openly embraced and discussed throughout her career, especially as it relates to her identity and representation in the world of tennis.
Born on February 17, 1995, in Rock Island, Illinois, Madison grew up surrounded by love, sacrifices, and a strong sense of purpose. Her father, Rick, a former college basketball player and now a seasoned attorney, and her mother, Christine, also a lawyer, juggled careers and parenting with extraordinary dedication. Madison wasn’t the only kid in the Keys household—she’s the eldest of three, with younger sisters Montana and Hunter—but it was clear from an early age that Madison’s dreams would require extraordinary effort.
It all started with a Venus Williams moment. In 1999, little Madison was captivated by Venus’ iconic white dress with a cut-out back at Wimbledon and wanted one just like it. Her mom, Christine, told her there was a catch: she’d have to learn tennis. Madison was all in. Before long, the Keys family was navigating the delicate balance between chasing a dream and keeping a family together.
Madison Keys’ reaction after beating Iga Swiatek to reach the Australian Open final.
She bursts into tears.
Match point saved against the world #2.
This lady has had so many painful losses in Grand Slams.
No one deserves this more. 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2025
Christine, the kind of mom who doubled as chauffeur, cook, and emotional support, paused her legal career entirely for a decade, moving with Madison and her sisters to Boca Raton, Florida, so Madison could train at the prestigious Evert Tennis Academy. Meanwhile, Rick stayed back in Rock Island, keeping the law practice afloat to fund it all. “We both had to take on significant roles,” Rick once said, summing up the kind of teamwork that held their family together.
Christine’s career path wasn’t ordinary either. After graduating from DePaul University’s College of Law in 1991, she specialized in personal injury and workers’ compensation, working alongside Rick at their firm, Nelson, Keys & Keys, PC. Ten years after stepping away for Madison, she returned to law in 2015 and eventually rejoined Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham, LLC—the same firm where her career began.
Rick, for his part, built a decades-long career in personal injury and criminal defense, holding it down as a partner at Keys Law Offices, PC. His upbringing by a single mother shaped his parenting philosophy. “She worked tirelessly to give us a good life,” Rick said. “She taught us that hard work can turn opportunity into success. I like to think that’s what helped Madison rise when others faded.”
That you are, @Madison_Keys! That you are. #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/34VquiGAxg
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2025
The bond between Christine and Madison grew even stronger during those formative years in Florida. The two are not just mother and daughter but also partners in creativity. Both share a passion for interior design, a hobby that took on a whole new life when Madison bought her first house in 2017 after a stellar summer that included winning the Stanford Classic and reaching the US Open final. HGTV fans at heart, Madison and Christine tackled projects together, like installing wallpaper, and Madison admitted to sending furniture and décor home for her mom to safeguard while she was traveling for tournaments.
But the Keys family’s story isn’t just about tennis or home makeovers—it’s about giving back. Madison’s nonprofit work has been a cornerstone of her career off the court. An ambassador for FearlesslyGIRL and founder of Kindness Wins, Madison has channeled her influence into empowering youth and promoting kindness.
No one knows me better than my mom. When I had to hire someone to run my charity @KindnessWinsFnd, I couldn’t think of a better person. She is President of Kindness Wins, handling fundraising & charitable outreach, & knows what I’m passionate about when it comes to helping others pic.twitter.com/RTPY63LkeK
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) September 9, 2022
In 2022, she entrusted Christine with a significant role in her foundation, naming her as president. Christine now leads the charge on fundraising and outreach, blending her professional expertise with a deep understanding of her daughter’s values. “No one knows me better than my mom,” Madison shared in an Instagram post announcing the decision.
