Madison Keys is enjoying a fine start to the clay-court season, albeit on the American version of the surface.
Unlike regular European clay, it plays far faster and is far less conducive to sliding. This likely hinders many Americans who opt to start this portion of the season at Charleston or Houston, as it does not really prepare them for the red clay that awaits in places like Madrid, Rome and Paris.
Alas, Madison Keys will not care if it results in a title, and she is now just two wins away from that feat after her latest victory over Belinda Bencic.
Speaking after the match, in which she came from a set down, the 31-year-old actually explained how Jessica Pegula inadvertently helped inspire her to fight back and beat the Swiss star.
Madison Keys reacts after reaching the semi-finals in Charleston
Chatting with Tennis Channel, Keys was credited for her high energy despite suffering a slow start against Bencic.
She admitted: “I think I’m always trying to do that, today especially.”
The American then added: “You just kind of know that when you’re playing someone like Belinda, it can get away from you so quickly. And I was a bit inspired by Jess just because she keeps staying in somehow.
How do you rate Jessica Pegula’s chances of ever winning a Grand Slam?
“So it’s really just, I kind of kept reminding myself just to keep trying to get myself in games, even if you’re down, love 30, 15, 40, you never know when momentum can switch, and you can kind of sneak a game or two.”
Then, discussing her emotions immediately after the match had concluded, as she let out a huge ‘come on’ following her match point, Keys admitted: “I think it was like, oh, thank God.
“She was coming to the net. I just kind of knew that I needed to hit a good enough shot to get it by her.
“So, definitely some relief, but also, I was just, you know, very happy with my discipline today and, you know, kind of just trying to play the right way.”
Pegula is also on track to reach the final in Charleston, but faces a stern test with Iva Jovic next in the semi-finals.
Madison Keys already has plans for when she retires from tennis
Speaking during this run in Charleston, Keys has actually also been discussing her future within the sport, and what life might look like when she calls time on her career.
After all, having won the Australian Open title last year, she has achieved a feat that few others ever will. She could retire tomorrow and be content with a glittering playing career.
And, if she were to do that, Keys could be safe in the knowledge that a future in punditry beckons, given the success of her podcast The Player’s Box.
Starring alongside Jennifer Brady, Desirae Krawczyk and Pegula, their insight from inside the current tennis world has been so refreshing.
Discussing this new job, Keys admitted: “It’s definitely been a lot of fun. It’s always fascinating for us to see what the fans want to know. Obviously, we go to press conferences and get these questions, and we know what to expect, while sometimes fans approach it from a different angle, and it’s very fun to talk about something slightly different.
“I also think it’s enjoyable to give our perspective on things. I think sometimes so many things are happening that nobody understands what we think about certain things. This is opening my eyes to maybe have a new career after tennis.”
