Meet Madison Keys’ Parents: Rick Keys and Christine Keys

Rick Keys and Christine Keys are the devoted parents of American tennis star Madison Keys, whose powerful game and resilience on the WTA Tour were nurtured by their unwavering support and sacrifices.

Madison, born February 17, 1995, in Rock Island, Illinois, is one of four daughters. The couple, both attorneys from Rock Island in northwestern Illinois, made significant adjustments to help Madison pursue professional tennis from a young age.

They share a biracial family background: Rick is African American, while Christine is white (with European, often noted as German and Irish, roots). The family emphasizes education, hard work, and balance, with strong ties to the Quad Cities area.

Rick Keys

Rick Keys, born in the 1960s (now in his late 50s), is an attorney and former standout athlete.

A Division III All-American college basketball player at Augustana College in Illinois (graduating in 1986), he brought athletic discipline and competitive spirit to the family.

He earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1991 and has practiced for over three decades, specializing in personal injury claims and criminal defense.

He serves as a partner at Keys Law Offices, PC, in Rock Island County, Illinois, where he has worked for nearly a decade.

Rick and Christine made major sacrifices when Madison showed early promise in tennis at age 9–10.

While supporting her move to Florida for training at the Evert Tennis Academy, Rick often stayed behind in Illinois to maintain his legal practice and provide financial stability.

He is described as a steady, supportive father who balanced his career with family involvement in Madison’s journey.

The couple has been married for decades and remains a united front at her matches.

No public details on height or other personal milestones are widely shared; Rick keeps a relatively low profile outside his professional and parental roles.

Christine Keys

Christine Keys was born in the late 1960s or early 1970s (now in her mid-50s) and is also an attorney with a background in personal injury and workers’ compensation law.

She graduated from Marycrest University (now part of the University of Iowa system) before earning her law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 1991.

Early in her career, she worked alongside Rick at Nelson, Keys & Keys, PC (1995–2005).