Madison Keys has become the ninth American player in history to win the Volvo Car Open in Charleston after overcoming Caroline Wozniacki 7-6(5), 6-3, in a heavy-hitting encounter.
The 24-year-old, who was runner-up in the tournament back in 2015, managed to go one step further this year with the help of her powerful shot-making. Illustrated by Keys’ six aces and 45 winners produced throughout the match. A stark contrast to Wozniacki’s tally of two and seven.
“Every time I come here (to Charleston) I feel like I’m at home and the support I have from everyone in the stands means the absolute world to me.” Keys said during the trophy presentation.
Heading into the showdown in Charleston, Wozniacki boasted a 2-0 head-to-head record against her American rival. Winning both of those matches in straight sets. However, this time round Keys found a formula to keep pressure on Wozniacki throughout a dramatic opening set. The all or nothing play from Keys saw her hit a series of breathtaking shots alongside some erratic errors. 25 winners to 24 unforced errors to be precise. Trading breaks during the early stages of the match, it was a tiebreaker that separated the two.
Keys’ fierce forehand put off her opponent, who hit a double fault to hand her a mini break for 5-3. A point later Keys secured a triple set point opportunity after a costly mistake from Wozniacki saw her leave the ball, which landed in. Prompting gasps of surprise from the crowd. Still, closing the set out wasn’t easy for the world No.18, who saw two chances come and go. Nevertheless, Keys prevailed on her third opportunity with the help of a winning backhand shot to clinch the opener after 75-minutes of tense play.
Continuing to stand firm behind her serve, Keys battled towards the finish title. During the second set it was a stroke of luck that helped her secure a breakthrough. A Wozniacki backhand into the net rewarded Keys a break point opportunity to extend her lead to a set and 4-2. An opportunity she seized with the help of a shot that tapped the top of the net before landing onto her opponent’s side of the court. Leaving the former Australian Open champion bemused about the situation.
Tasked with serving for her maiden clay-court title, Keys roared to two championship points against her frustrated rival. Victory was then secured with the help of a straightforward volley. Resulting in a fist clench and a roar of joy from the new Charleston champion.
What a week for @Madison_Keys.
Defeats Tatjana Maria, Jelena Ostapenko, Sloane Stephens (1st win), Monica Puig, and now Caroline Wozniacki (1st win) to capture her 1st clay title, 1st title since 2017, and 4th overall. #VolvoCarOpen
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) April 7, 2019
The triumph extends Wozniacki’s drought on the clay. The Dane hasn’t won a title on the surface since the Brussel Open back in 2011. In total Wozniacki has won four titles on the clay, which is the eighth highest amount among active players on the WTA Tour.
“Congratulations on an incredible week and well played today. You were just too good for me.” She said in tribute to Keys.
“I want to thank my family in my box. You guys have always been there for me when I win or when I lose. Also, thank you Francesca (Schiavone). I feel like although my love for clay hasn’t always been there, this week has been very enjoyable.”
Keys’ triumph marks the first week of her reunion with coach Juan Todero, who worked with her during 2013 and 2014. Todero has previously mentored WTA players such as Monica Puig, Lauren Davis and Alison Riske.
“It was a really good first week for my coach and I. Hopefully we can keep this up at a kind of high bar.” Keys evaluated.
As a result of her title, Keys will rise to 14th in the WTA rankings when they are updated on Monday. Meanwhile, Wozniacki will be in 12th position.
