While in Paris preparing for this year’s French Open, World-No. 14 Madison Keys is focusing her energy elsewhere on Tuesday.
Keys and FearlesslyGirl, an organization that she is an ambassador for, have declared May 21, 2019 as the inaugural “Kinder Girl World Day”. A day created in the hopes of replacing some of the toxicity we often see online with messages of kindness.
.@Madison_Keys checks in from @rolandgarros and hopes you participate in #KinderGirlWorldDay ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pp4tpJf7RG
— wta (@WTA) May 21, 2019
The 24-year-old opened up about her role in a piece she wrote for the WTA, saying: “There is so much negativity on the internet, and it can be hurtful and damaging. I want to help show the world the power of kindness, and the difference we can make when we take action.
“That’s why I’m excited with FearlesslyGirl to kick off #KinderGirlWorldDay on May 21st. It’s an opportunity for all of us to take a meaningful step to fight back against the toxicity of social media by posting about a woman you respect, admire, and want to recognize with a supporting message online.”
So, in keeping with that spirit, Keys spent the better part of her day in Paris recognizing some of the women in her life who have inspired her – starting with the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus.
Venus & Serena Williams were both huge inspirations for me to play tennis. What they’ve done on court is incredible. What they do off court in business, helping other girls & championing for equal pay is also so inspiring. They motivate me to do & be my best. #KinderGirlWorldDay pic.twitter.com/mIPKt50d6R
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) May 21, 2019
Then, Keys turned her attention to her friend and fellow American Sloane Stephens. Someone who was quick to return the favour.
Sloane is one of my best friends on the @WTA tour👯♀️To have someone you compete against one moment & laugh with the next can be rare. Her foundation does amazing things & so many kids are lucky to have her in their lives. She always has my back. *Arya for life* #KinderGirlWorldDay pic.twitter.com/R0lD73IFMl
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) May 21, 2019
I am so proud of one of my best friends @Madison_Keys for inspiring girls to use social media in a positive and uplifting way – something that is so needed. Madi has always been someone I turn to for advice, for support, for fun – pic.twitter.com/ywmzr9GHI5
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) May 21, 2019
But, the FearlesslyGirl ambassador didn’t just limit her scope to the world of tennis. She also identified one of her favorite quotes from the former First Lady Michelle Obama and spoke about how the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has motivated others.
“Choose people who lift you up” – I can’t think of a better quote from @MichelleObama for today. My friends lift me up because they’re always there for me, even if it’s just to send me a funny meme 😂 Who lifts you up when you need it most? #KinderGirlWorldDay pic.twitter.com/QAoZObEGkM
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) May 21, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex is incredibly cool & relatable, not just because we’re both American & she’s a tennis fan! I know she faces a lot of criticism, but I hope people focus on the positive in how she uses her role to help others, even while she’s a new mom 😊 #KinderGirlWorldDay pic.twitter.com/AjbUDYWPi5
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) May 21, 2019
Over a short few hours, Keys’ outpour of positive messages has already had a significant impact on social media, as many current and former players were quick to join in on #KinderGirlWorldDay.
Just because we are opponents on a tennis court, doesn't mean we can't show kindness 🤗
You are doing great work @Madison_Keys and #KinderGirlWorldDay is a fantastic way for girls to support each other ❤️ https://t.co/ZPWFchUcaV
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) May 21, 2019
Really great initiative by @Madison_Keys to share positivity on social media today. I might have too many inspiring females to name in one tweet, so thank you to all the women in my life #kindergirlworldday https://t.co/o746GUlJIY
— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) May 21, 2019
I’m very happy and proud to see @Madison_Keys using her platform for a positive awareness with #KinderGirlWorldDay as a reminder to just be kind to one another
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) May 21, 2019
Determined. Unstoppable. Courageous. To all female athletes fighting for a sustainable future for the sports you love, so that those who come next can succeed, I thank you. ⚽️🏒 #KinderGirlWorldDay
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 21, 2019
#KinderGirlWorldDay grateful for Original 9 stepping up 50 years ago led by @BillieJeanKing to make @WTA what it is today. Legends followed- @ChrissieEvert @Martina @LDavenport76 @Venuseswilliams @serenawilliams @Clijsterskim (just to name a few) @FearlesslyGirl @Madison_Keys
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) May 21, 2019
Per WTA: “Madison Keys is a proud ambassador for FearlesslyGiRL. The organization is asking everyone to join #KinderGirlWorldDay on May 21st and help change the world one day, one post and one girl at a time. Participants are challenged to tag and recognize a fellow girl or woman on social media, and leave them a message of support and kindness, using the hashtag #KinderGirlWorldDay and tagging @fearlesslygirl.”
#ItTakesCourage to be a voice for those pushed in a corner.@Madison_Keys opens up about her work with @FearlesslyGirl as they kick off #KinderGirlWorldDay–> https://t.co/aGeWuqHUhv pic.twitter.com/8e1ICthabc
— wta (@WTA) May 21, 2019
