Madison Keys’ shocking takes over Serena Williams and today’s women’s tennis

Madison Keys has been on the WTA Tour for more than 17 years, spanning several eras of the sport.

Despite still holding a top-20 ranking, she decided to enter a WTA 125 event in Paris following an early exit at the Italian Open.

While in Paris, Keys spoke with Haute Cadence and was asked if there are any unseeded players she’d prefer to avoid at this year’s French Open.

Having played alongside stars like Serena Williams and recently saying she might skip future Grand Slams, Keys responded by talking about how deep the women’s field is right now.

Madison Keys says the current strength of women’s tennis is unmatched

Asked if there were any unseeded players she was hoping to avoid at Roland-Garros, Keys didn’t name anyone specific but instead spoke about how strong the field has become across the board.

Even though she’s played during eras that featured Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, among others, Keys believes the sport’s overall quality is higher now than at any point in her career.

“Honestly, I think the depth of women’s tennis is probably the best that it’s ever been in my playing career 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 and if you get through that match, the next match is just going to be harder, and so on and so on,” answered 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’.”

Over her career, Keys faced Serena Williams three times – including in the 2016 Italian Open final – but was never able to get a win over the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Madison Keys speaks on pressure and career balance

Madison Keys has already hit one of the biggest milestones in tennis, having won the Australian Open back in 2023. It was a long-awaited Grand Slam title that finally matched the promise she had shown for years.

During her recent stay in Paris, Keys was asked if becoming a major champion had eased any of the pressure she felt on tour. She acknowledged that it had helped, but also mentioned how finding interests outside of tennis has played a role.

“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.”

The American is currently taking part in a WTA 125 event in Paris before heading over to Strasbourg for another tournament ahead of Roland Garros.

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