Getting to Know: Madison Keys

Getting to Know: Madison Keys

Residence: Boca Raton, FL
Date of Birth: February 17, 1995
Birthplace: Rock Island, IL
Height: 5’10”
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Pro since 2009

Madison Keys is a force to be reckoned with. Earlier this year the now 20-year-old made her first-ever Grand Slam semifinal with a historic run at the Australian Open, defeating Venus Williams along the way and losing a tight match to eventual champion Serena. We caught up with the Illinois native, who’s now coached by Lindsay Davenport.

Volvo Car Open: You’re coming back to Charleston for the third consecutive year. What do you like about the event? What makes it different from the other WTA stops?
Madison Keys: The atmosphere is really nice here. There is such a sense of community in this town and they really appreciate tennis and enjoy the tournament. It feels great to play in front of those fans.

Cup: You’ve been working with Lindsay Davenport for a few months now. What has been the best part of that relationship?
Keys: Working with Lindsay has been a great experience. We get along so well and it’s great to have her point of view on what I need to do and change in order to get better. Her and her family’s support system has been very important to me getting better.

Cup: You made your first-ever major semifinal in Australia. What was the best part of that run? Is there one last memory that sticks with you?
Keys: The whole thing was incredible. The atmosphere of [Rod Laver Arena] is something I will never forget. It will stay with me for a long time.

Cup: OK… We hear you’re a pretty solid baker! What’s your favorite thing to make?
Keys: Yes, I’m quite good in the kitchen [laughs]. My go-to dessert is chocolate chip cheesecake Oreo cookie.

Cup: Um, that sounds delicious! Say you’re going out for a fancy night with the girls, what’s your go-to outfit? Shoes? Accessories? Break it down for us.
Keys: I am starting to enjoy dressing up a lot more. Right now I am in love with BCBG and all of the incredible dresses they make.

Cup: You just turned 20 a couple of months ago. What’s your most lasting memory from your teens? What are two things you want to do in your 20s?
Keys: My goal each and every day is to become the best tennis player I can possibly be. That goal has been with me through my tennis and it will not change any time soon.

QUICK HITS WITH MADISON:
Coolest place you’ve been to in the world? Rome. Love the old buildings and all the history. 
Your dream dinner out entails _________? Southern food, sweet tea and then some ice cream. 
Beach or pool? Beach.
Tennis sneakers or getting glammed up? I like getting glammed up, but there’s nothing better than getting home and putting sweats on.
Your favorite guilty pleasure is __________? Dr. Pepper!