There is a strong American presence at Wimbledon this year, and thus renewed optimism that one of the many could take either the men’s or the women’s titles.
After all, a couple key names aside, there are no outstanding favourites for either draw, making it highly possible that a strong run deep into the competition is possible.
Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, Tommy Paul and Danielle Collins will all hold up the bulk of American hope, yet Madison Keys is another worthy of acclaim.
Especially after what she did yesterday.
Martina Navratilova stunned by Madison Keys’ Wimbledon performance
Speaking on Tennis Channel after her victory, the panel were effusive in their praise for the 29-year-old, who cruised into the Wimbledon second round with a straight sets win over Martina Trevisan.
However, it was Martina Navratilova who was left particularly startled, especially when she learned a statistic in relation to Carlos Alcaraz.
The tennis legend first questioned: ‘You are obviously hitting the ball really hard. You hit it harder than Alcaraz today, during his match, both on the forehand and backhand. How are you able to create that much pace consistently?’
Keys replied: ‘I don’t know, honestly. I feel like sometimes I am hitting it and I will look at Bjorn and be like I feel like there’s not much on it, and he will look at me like I’m crazy. That’s usually the answer I get when I try and tell people that it feels a little slow.
‘It just has always kind of been my thing, I feel like I have a loose arm, and it’s more for me about being able to control it and go after my shots.’
This sparked further praise from Navratilova: ‘I feel like you have harnessed your power better in that you pick your spots better than you used to.’
The women’s draw was severely weakened when Aryna Sabalenka pulled out of Wimbledon just yesterday, which should buoy Keys further.
Carlos Alcaraz comparisons at Wimbledon
To earn not just comparisons, but to actually outhit Alcaraz at an event like Wimbledon, is certainly an indicator of someone performing well above their station.
After all, this is a Wimbledon champion being talked about, who won the title in remarkable fashion last year against Novak Djokovic, and is heavy favourite to retain it again this year.
His speed of shot and movement around the court is mesmerising, and to outperform him in any of these metrics is sensational.
Keys has enjoyed a fine career thus far, and performed admirably in all four of the Grand Slams.
However, despite reaching a US Open final in 2017 and the semi-finals of the French and Australian Open numerous times, the American has never surpassed the quarterfinals in SW19.
This year marks a fine chance to do that, and have a real run at the title with how wide-open the draw is.
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