Madison Keys burst into the tennis world's conscience on Saturday, providing another stunning moment at the Australian Open. For American tennis, it's a moment to savor — and build.
This wasn't a run-of-the-mill WTA event, where a little-known player takes down a player with high ranking in world tennis. Melbourne lacks the TV-centric appeal of its fellow grand slam events because of the time difference between Aussie and the States.
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But it's been a while since we've seen a 19-year-old take on a two-time Wimbledon champion, match her stroke for stroke and stave off a pressure-filled final game.
"My hands are still shaking, right now I can't even process this, I'm just so excited," Keys said.
Welcome to the world, Madison Keys. By eliminating Petra Kvitova 6-4, 7-5, this American teen holds the … uh-hum … keys to the future.
"Obviously this is my first time in the second week of a grand slam. I feel good about it," she said. "But at the same time it's one of those things where I want more. … So I'm not really getting ahead of myself and letting myself get too excited over this."
Which is OK. Let the kid from Illinois enjoy her moment. Let her savor, let her believe. Let her be herself.
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“It’s tough sometimes in those moments, where everyone is kind of telling you it will work out and things like that,” Keys said. “You don’t always believe them, and it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Maybe it won’t happen.’ But finally having that happen, it feels great, and it makes you really, really realize that people are telling you the truth, and it makes your confidence and your belief in yourself just skyrocket.”
Life will slap anyone back to earth in a hurry. So it with Keys, who won her way into a Round of 16 match against — fellow American Madison Brengle.
That's not as bad as it sounds, although it guarantees a U.S. player will be knocked out before the quarterfinals. If all goes well, Serena Williams, sister Venus and one of the Madisons will be among the final 16 at Melbourne.
U.S. men are envious.
Bouyed by coach Lindsey Davenport, who knows a thing or two about winning and rising above expectations, Keys is growing into her game. We've seen this before, a young player hitting the scene and building a championship title. Let's just hope Keys doesn't go the way of Jennifer Caprioti.
Davenport seems confident her mentor has her head firmly attached. “There’s no whining or diva behavior,” Davenport told The Wall Street Journal. “I feel like I’m talking to someone who is older than 19.”
What thrilled observers was how Keys finished. After winning the fast first set in 36 minutes, she got into a slugging match with Kvitova. Davenport took Keys under her wing during the offseason, and the pupil learned well from the master. The New York Times said Keys "played a poised, controlled and forceful match, one she served out at love to win."
And that should serve Keys well as strides into the spotlight.
The tools are there. Keys is 5-10, hits with power and has footwork and speed that are generating comparisons to Davenport.
"She can be top 10 for sure. I felt that she improved her movement, as well," Kvitova said after the match.
In case you didn't know, Keys already is among the elite. She was No. 35 in world and will climb after the Open. She faces a difficult climb the rest of the tournament.
Brengle will be no soft touch. She has more experience and is a late bloomer who is also getting attention for her improvement. After her early success, Brengle stagnated and say Sloane Stephens pass her by in the U.S. women's hierarchy.
Brengle is putting it all together again at the Australian Open.
While we expect success from Serena Williams and are pleased to see older sister Venus Williams playing well, it's promising to see younger players making waves at Melbourne. Brengle advanced with a victory over Coco Vandeweghe, who appears to be ascending as well.
Success isn't easy. Achieving it at a young age can be elusive. But for now, Madison Keys has opened the door.