Madison Keys reveals what she plans to do in preparation for her Madrid Open clash with ‘phenomenal’ Iga Swiatek

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Madison Keys has looked mightily impressive in Madrid, as she searches for her third WTA title of the year.

The world number five began the year in fine form, when Keys beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open title.

She did so, having saved a match point in the semi-finals, battling through in three sets, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6, to beat Poland’s Iga Swiatek.

Keys and Swiatek are now set to face off in the quarterfinals of this year’s Madrid Open, taking to the court against one another for the first time since their Melbourne classic earlier this year.

Speaking ahead of their highly anticipated rematch, Keys has revealed what she plans to do in preparation for their seventh career meeting.

Madison Keys says she will rewatch her Australian Open win over Iga Swiatek before their Madrid clash

Following her win over Donna Vekic in the fourth round of the Madrid Open, Keys was asked what she plans to do to prepare for her quarterfinal match against Swiatek.

“I think I will kind of look at our match in Australia and see what I was doing really well and what worked,” she said.

“Also, look at what happened last year here, because I did not do well against her last year, and just try to come up with a game plan.

“I think she’s phenomenal on clay, she feels very comfortable here, she’s won multiple times.”

Swiatek beat Keys in the semi-finals of last year’s Madrid Open, 6-1, 6-3, as she continued her reign of dominance against the American on clay.

Keys then revealed how she plans to approach the match against arguably the greatest clay-court player in women’s tennis.

“I think when you’re playing someone who moves as well as she does on the clay and feels so comfortable on the surface, I think you have to balance having a good game plan and trying to be smart, but also going for it a little bit more,” she said.

“You know that at the end of the day, you kind of have to go for it a little bit more and see what happens.”

Iga Swiatek says she’ll rewatch last year’s Madrid Open semi-final before playing Madison Keys

Keys won’t be alone in watching tape ahead of Wednesday’s quarterfinal match, as Swiatek said she plans to do the same during her most recent press conference.

“I feel like these conditions fit us both, because Madi [Keys] has a great kick serve that can jump super high here,” she said.

“We played last year, but I think it was a night session, I think it was colder, or a little bit different, so for sure we’ll watch that match.

“We’ll also analyse how she’s been playing this year.”

During her press conference, Swiatek was also asked for her thoughts on this year’s Madrid Open draw, after many questioned the world number two’s chances of reaching the final when her bracket was released.

“Honestly, every time I lost this year, I think except one tournament, the person won the tournament,” she said.

“The draws weren’t easy. Every time I felt like I was getting into the rhythm of the tournament, I lost.

“So, I don’t think it matters, I don’t know if the draw I have right now is good or bad, it’s kind of hard to compare.

“I’ll just go for it, I’m ready for the next match anyway.”

Several of Swiatek’s opponents in Madrid were touted as potential stumbling blocks, perhaps none more so than Keys, thanks to her win in Melbourne.

Iga Swiatek’s potential route to the 2025 Madrid Open title

• 2025 Madrid Open F – Aryna Sabalenka (World number one)
• 2025 Madrid Open SF – Mirra Andreeva (Won their previous two meetings)
• 2025 Madrid Open QF – Madison Keys (Won their previous meeting)
• 2025 Madrid Open 4R – Diana Shnaider
• 2025 Madrid Open 3R – Linda Noskova (Won at the 2024 Australian Open)
• 2025 Madrid Open 2R – Alexandra Eala (Won their previous meeting)

It’s been so far, so good for the Pole, who navigated tricky tests against Alexandra Eala, Linda Noskova, and Diana Shnaider to reach the last eight.

Only time will tell if she can avenge her Australian Open defeat when she plays Keys for a place in the semi-finals, but it’ll certainly be worth tuning in for.

Swiatek and Keys will face off in the Madrid Open quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 30.