This might have been the very first semifinal of the Western & Southern Open where Madison Keys was playing but before that, she had also played in some major tournaments. She was able to display all that experience on her Saturday’s semifinal against her fellow countrywoman Sofia Kenin whom she defeated by 7-5 and 6-4. 
Keys seeded 16th in the tournament was able to play under the immense pressure of her opponent in both sets.
Ultimately she was able to secure herself a place in the final where she will play with the wild card entry of the Western & Southern Open; Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Keys said, “I think that during our second set, Kenin started to return the serves really well and took things really early. It seemed like she was really seeing them very well. I had my focus on returning the serves and putting on pressure on her.”
20 years old Keys was able to make the tiebreaking match deciding point with a splendid backhand and said, “It felt really good. I was a little surprised that I made it in but I am glad that it went in.”
Keys is now the first American to make it to the finals of the Western & Southern Open after Serena Williams won the tournament back in 2015.
She will be playing against Svetlana Kuznetsova who earlier defeated no. 1 seeded Ashleigh Barty and the no. 3 seeded Karolina Pliskova in her last two matches.
Keys said of her finals’ opponent, in order for her to be in this position, she might have to be playing some really good tennis. I think that she will be an interesting opponent to play against because she is not a normal tour-level player. She plays with extra spin and likes to slice. She’s got a lot of variety. I definitely need to watch myself tomorrow.”
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