Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek are both looking to reach the final of the Australian Open for the first time.
Just four WTA stars remain in Melbourne, as the year’s first Grand Slam approaches the final stages.
Keys, Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Paula Badosa will battle it out for a spot in Saturday’s final on Rod Laver Arena.
American powerhouse Keys beat Elina Svitolina in three sets to advance to the semis, having done so previously in 2015, and 2022.
Her last four opponent, Swiatek took down Emma Navarro in dominant fashion on Wednesday, dropping just three games on the way to her second Melbourne semi.
Having won five Grand Slam titles in her career to date, Swiatek is the heavy favorite against Keys, who’s best performance came at the 2017 US Open where she finished as runner-up to Sloane Stephens.
With the odds stacked against her, one ATP legend has now revealed the one way he thinks Keys can overcome Swiatek in the semi-final.
Andy Roddick thinks Madison Keys can ‘bother’ Iga Swiatek with speed to her forehand
Speaking on his Quick Served podcast, former world number one Andy Roddick previewed the semi-final matchup.
“I think Madison Keys can bother Iga [Swiatek],” he said.
“Speed to the forehand is how you bother Iga Swiatek, guess what Madison Keys’ best shot is.
“That pull forehand to the forehand, and that forehand cross-court to the forehand.
“She creates probably more speed than anybody including [Aryna] Sabalenka on that forehand side and I’m not being hyperbolic, you can look at the numbers.”
Roddick went on to say that whilst Swiatek is a tough opponent for Keys, stylistically, it might not be too bad of a matchup for the 29-year-old American.
“I don’t like the matchup for Madison Keys because you’re playing one of the all time greats,” he said.
“[But] I think she can be a lot more dangerous, and will give Iga a lot more to think about than Emma Navarro could stylistically when Iga is in full flight.
“I’m excited for that one, props to Madison Keys.”
Swiatek and Keys both played their quarter-final matches on Wednesday, not allowing them a day to rest ahead of their semi-final encounter.
Roddick gave his thoughts on how that will affect the pair.
“I don’t know if it’s a big deal the quick turnaround, especially when you’re Iga, winning every match in 27 seconds,” he said.
“Madison Keys, mentally, physically, demanding match against [Elina] Svitolina, we’ll see how she pulls up, but she’s essentially been playing tennis for three weeks straight.
“She won the warmup event coming in, she looks great.”
The 2003 US Open champion eventually gave his prediction as to who will come out on top.
“I think she [Madison Keys] has the tools to bother Iga more than anyone in the field this side other than Sabalenka now,” said Roddick.
“But I don’t know how you bet against Iga.”
Marathon v Sprint: Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek’s run to the Australian Open semi-finals
Keys and Swiatek will meet in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, having enjoyed very different routes to the last four.
While Swiatek breezed through her opening matches, Keys battled through in several deciding sets to secure her spot in the semis.
As Roddick mentioned, Keys won the Adelaide International just before the Australian Open, with fatigue potentially set to play a role in her encounter with the Polish star.
| Name | Sets played | Games played |
| Iga Swiatek | 10 | 74 |
| Madison Keys | 13 | 128 |
Keys has spent significantly more time on the court than her semi-final opponent, playing 54 more games than Swiatek during her opening five matches.
Her most recent win was perhaps her most taxing, as Keys took down Ukrainian 28th seed Svitolina in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Only time will tell who will come out on top when they face off for a place in Saturday’s showpiece event.
Keys will take on Swiatek at Rod Laver Arena, on Thursday, January 23.
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