Madison Keys says putting some extra pressure on herself has helped her ‘find an extra gear‘ at the US Open.
The 17th seed stormed into the semi-final of her home major on Wednesday after dismissing Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-4, in less than 90 minutes. It is the first time Keys has reached the last four of a tournament since June when she won the Eastbourne International. In her latest match, she saved all nine break points faced and fired 19 winners.
“I have just been trying to be smart and more placement than anything,” she commented on her latest match tactics. “The kind of game plan was to try to get to the net when I could.’
“Definitely not in any sort of rush to get to the net but just try to set points up and have the momentum of going forward. I feel like I played a little bit more controlled and aggressive when I’m trying to build points to get to the net instead of trying to hit a straight winner.”
The 28-year-old has already beaten three seeded players in this year’s draw which is more than any other player remaining in the women’s tournament. Before Vondrousova, she knocked out third seed Jessica Pegula and 14th seed Liudmila Samsonova.
It is the sixth time in her career that Keys has reached the semi-final of a Grand Slam. Only five active players on the WTA Tour have reached more than her. Overall, she has won 58 out of 79 matches played at major hardcourt events.
Speaking about her record at the big events, the American says a key factor in her success has been utilizing the level of pressure she faces to her advantage.
“I kind of find another gear when it comes to slams. I think part of it is that I put a little bit more pressure on myself, which is a good thing and also a bad thing sometimes.” She explained.
“I have just kind of peaked at the right time, I guess. I haven’t had too many disappointing exits at slams. I have had a handful but I feel like when it comes to slams, I’m just able to kind of find another gear, even if I haven’t been playing well.”
However, Keys admits that sometimes she finds it difficult trying to find the right balance when it comes to pressure. She is currently coached on the Tour by her fiance Bjorn Fratangelo. A former top 100 player who reached the US Open second round in 2017.
“Sometimes I do it well and sometimes I do it really badly,” she admits, “I think it’s just kind of reminding yourself these are the matches that you grow up dreaming of. These are the moments you want to be in.”
‘It’s a little bit of pressure, but it’s also a little bit of a freeing moment. I’m just going to go out and try to do the best that I can.”
Keys will play Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals who will become world No.1 for the first time in her career next Monday. Should she win, it will be the first time she has reached a major final since 2017.
