Keys Triumphs on Hard Courts
Hard courts have consistently been the most favorable surface for Madison Keys, benefiting her fast and flat shots. At the start of the year, she launched into a winning streak, capturing her first 12 matches in Australia, including her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
Cincinnati Open Performance
As the Cincinnati Open approached, the 30-year-old American boasted an impressive record of 20-3 on hard courts. Despite facing challenges throughout her match, Keys managed to secure a tough victory over rising star Eva Lys with a score of 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1).
Crucial Comeback
Keys saved two break points to reach the deciding tiebreak and dominated, winning seven of the last eight points. After her win, she expressed relief more than excitement, raising her arms and pumping her fists. “I just kept trying to listen to everyone here cheering me,” she mentioned during her on-court interview.
Notable Season Success
This comeback victory reflected Keys’ outstanding season, having won 10 matches after losing the first set and 15 that went the distance. With 18 wins in Cincinnati, it stands as her highest total in any single tournament, second only to Charleston where she achieved 21 victories.
Next Match Ahead
Keys is set to face qualifier Aoi Ito, a 24-year-old from Japan ranked No. 94, on Monday. Ito made a splash by defeating No. 27 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in her previous match.
Challenges Against Lower-Ranked Players
Since her Australian Open win, Keys has occasionally struggled against lower-ranked opponents. While her season record against players outside the Top 50 stands at 14-4, three of those losses have occurred since June.
Progress in Other Matches
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro continued her impressive run by defeating No. 21 seed Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-3. The Spaniard has won six of her last seven matches. Meanwhile, Taylor Townsend, a recent wildcard entrant, defeated No. 13 seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 6-4, solidifying her status in singles competition.
