Madison Keys is one of the most promising players of a new generation that is starting to make waves on the WTA tour. At just 21 years of age, the American player produced an impressive performance at the Australian Open, where she reached the last sixteen, demonstrating her great potential. A little over a month ago in Miami she shone again, this time reaching the quarters, eventually losing to world number three Angelique Kerber. Keys seems to find extra motivation in the big tournaments, although, as she states in this interview, all competitions are important to her.
Question: You seem to find something special in the big tournaments…
Answer: I think every tournament is important, but for some reason I just seem to do better at the big ones. This is obviously a big tournament and I love coming here and playing well and I always seem to always have a good fanbase so I really like coming back and playing in front of the crowd.
Question: How is your tournament going so far?
Answer: In my second match, for the most part I just played really solid (she beat Strycova 6-3, 6-7, 6-3), I think I served well and I kind of just kept the pressure on her. There was a bit of a dip in the second set but luckily I was able to recover and get it back.
Question: You are a big hitter, do you think the altitude of Madrid suits your game?
Answer: I think it is good for my game once I get used to it. The first couple of days it is definitely different. It’s a little bit of a change so I usually miss a lot of balls, but once I get used to it I really like it.
Question: And how do you get on with clay?
Answer: For me clay is always kind of a love-hate relationship, I’m definitely becoming more and more comfortable on it and feeling better and better. For me it’s just about getting a bit more experience on it and being a little more consistent. Still playing my game but tweaking it a little bit to fit the surface.
Question: Finally, what do you like most about Madrid?
Answer: I love Madrid! I love the food and I really love the coffee!
