Mats Wilander used Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to describe an area of improvement for Madison Keys.
The Adelaide International champion took on the controversial Danielle Collins in an all-American battle for a spot in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Both players were somewhat scrappy in the opening stages but they settled in and produced a contest with some impressive shotmaking and scorching winners.
Ultimately it was Keys who went on to defeat Collins 6-4, 6-4, and continue her quest for a first Grand Slam title.
Mats Wilander mentioned Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when discussing Madison Keys’ game
Madison Keys is one of the most powerful and aggressive players on the WTA Tour.
She has overwhelmed many players with her fearsome ballstriking over the years and possesses a thunderous serve.
But the American has yet to taste success at Grand Slam level, and as Mats Wilander assessed an area of her game, he used a comparison with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to make a point of how she plays when on the defensive.
“She looks great. The only thing I would say with Maddison Keys is that sometimes when she gets into a defensive position she tries to hit herself out of it,” the Swede told Eurosport.
“If you look at Novak Djokovic, or Rafa, or Roger, they played with feel when they were in a defensive position.
“I think Madison Keys sometimes doesn’t want to do that or can’t do that. I’m not really sure. If she learns how to do that her offensive game is one of the best on tour.”
Tim Henman identifies an area of improvement for Madison Keys
Keys struck 24 winners in her victory over Collins as she applied her aggressive game more effectively than the tenth seed.
Keys will face another challenging match in round four, when she takes on the hard-hitting Elena Rybakina, who has yet to drop a set at the Australian Open.
Following Keys’ latest victory Wilander’s Europsort co-analyst Tim Henman also suggested how Keys can take her game to the next level.
“You think it’s around shot selection as well, when she is in rallies and not much going on, just go cross court a bit more,” the former British number one said.
“I think she is capable of hitting these incredible winners, so that temptation is there but when you see her trading and nothing is happening just stay cross, stay cross.
“Then when you get the easier ball with the ball up higher, then with that firepower she can go down the line. I think she is an enormous talent if she can just reign it in at times.”
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