Madison Keys’ coach has an opinion which should serve as a warning to Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek ahead of the French Open

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Madison Keys will be looking to add to her Australian Open title at the upcoming French Open.

Keys won her first major title in January, enabling her to return to the top 10 in the WTA rankings.

The American has not been able to add to her trophy haul since then, with Keys having mixed results on clay in Madrid and Rome.

However, her coach has made a claim that suggests Keys could be a threat at the French Open this year.

Bjorn Fratangelo claims that clay is Madison Keys’ best surface

Many would consider clay to be Keys’ worst surface, especially given that she has won more titles on hard and grass courts.

However, Keys’ coach and husband Bjorn Fratangelo believes that it is actually her best surface, as he explained to rolandgarros.com how it enables her to utilise her strengths.

“I think it’s her best surface to be honest with you,” said Fratangelo. “I think it gives her time to set up a little bit more her forehand. She has a big swing, it takes time for her to produce the shot and I think this surface gives her a little extra second to think and get set with her feet.

“And then also, you know her ball speed is so big that I think [despite] the slow conditions she can still hit through them. I think she’s gonna get a little bit extra on the ball, obviously with the new frame and stuff.”

Keys previously claimed grass was her favourite surface, but did agree with Fratangelo’s comments about giving her extra time to set up her shots.

“I definitely think that clay can help a lot of aspects of my game,” said Keys. “I think the biggest thing is actually buying it, and believing what he’s saying makes any sort of sense.

“But yeah, I feel pretty comfortable moving on it, and I think the little bit of extra time that it gives me lets me set up for my forehand a little bit more. So I definitely think that he might be on to something.”

Keys has won two WTA clay court titles in her career, with her most recent coming at the tournament in Strasbourg last year.

How has Madison Keys performed at the French Open?

With the French Open on the horizon, Keys will be looking to continue her Grand Slam winning streak.

The 30-year-old has made runs in Paris before, reaching the semi-finals at the 2018 tournament.

However, in recent years Keys has struggled to replicate that and last year lost in the third round to compatriot Emma Navarro.

Keys will face a qualifier in her first round match at the French Open this year, with a potential second round match against Katie Boulter.

The main draw of the 2025 French Open will get underway on Sunday, May 25.