Madison Keys makes bold Serena Williams era comparison

Madison Keys has been part of the WTA Tour for more than 17 years, spanning multiple generations of players.

Despite still holding a top-20 ranking, Keys opted to enter the lower-tier WTA 125 event in Paris.

This followed an early exit at the Italian Open. While in Paris, she spoke with Haute Cadence, who asked if there were any unseeded players she would prefer to avoid at this year’s French Open.

Keys, who has previously said she might skip future Grand Slams, played alongside Serena Williams earlier in her career. She responded by highlighting how deep the women’s game is right now.

Madison Keys praises depth of women’s game, says it’s stronger than ever

When asked if there were any unseeded players she’d prefer to avoid at Roland-Garros, Madison Keys didn’t point to any names. Instead, she used the question to highlight the current depth across the women’s game.

She spoke about how much has changed since her early days on tour and said that even though she played alongside legends like Venus and Serena Williams, as well as Maria Sharapova, today’s field is tougher from top to bottom.

“Honestly, I think the depth of women’s tennis is probably the best that it’s ever been in my playing career,” Keys said. “And I think that you know whoever you get in the first round, you know that it’s probably going to be a very tough match.”

“If you get through that match, then next match is just going to be harder and so on and so on,” continued Keys. “One singular player I don’t think I could tell you who that person is but I guarantee when the draw comes out no matter who it is everyone is going to be thinking ‘Hmm she’s really good. I’m going to have to play very good to win.’”

The 31-year-old was never able to beat Williams in their three meetings but will look back fondly on some great battles between them.

Madison Keys discusses whether being a Grand Slam champion has reduced the pressure

Keys captured her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last year, a moment that marked a major milestone in her career.

Asked whether winning a major had eased any of the pressure she felt on tour, the world number 19 said it had to some extent but also pointed to how having interests outside of tennis has made a difference.

“I think that it is obviously something that I dreamed of since I was little, so being able to do that is such an achievement and I’m so happy to be able to do that,” said Keys. “But I also feel that I always want more, so there’s always the balance of wanting more and more.”

“I do think a big part of my enjoyment on the tour has been having the podcast, and having my friends, and doing a bit more, and finding a little bit more of a balance of life on tour. So, I think that’s been the biggest thing and some of the most fun I’ve had.”

Keys is currently competing for the WTA 125 title in Paris. Afterward, she’ll head to Strasbourg for a WTA 500 event before turning her attention to Roland Garros.

Read more: