Medvedev, Keys gain momentum for Open

MASON, OHIO— Two unexpected champions embraced their first Rookwood trophies, concluding a week that brought more questions than clarity to the upcoming U.S. Open.

Are Madison Keys and Daniil Medvedev capable of carrying their new-found momentum at the Western & Southern Open into a Grand Slam event?

Keys rallied late in both sets and beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5, 7-6 (5) on Sunday for her second title of the season and easily the biggest of her career.

Back on the court to receive the trophy, she told the crowd: “If you told me this is where I would be a week ago, I would have laughed in your face!”

The 24-year-old American will move up to the No. 10 ranking after a gritty showing that was typical of her week.

At 34, Kuznetsova was the oldest finalist in the Western & Southern Open’s history. She beat three top-10 players in a tournament for the first time in her 19-year career.

The 153rd-ranked player got a late start on the season as she completed a seven-month recovery from a knee injury.

On the men’s side, Medvedev thanked the crowd for its support after he beat David Goffin 7-6 (3), 6-4 on Sunday for his first Masters 1000 title.

Medvedev lost to Rafael Nadal in Montreal a week earlier, then went on to reach his sixth final of this season, most on the ATP Tour. He’s won twice.

“To finally lift the trophy this week is an amazing feeling,” the Russian said.

At age 23, he became the youngest Cincinnati champion since Andy Murray at age 21 in 2008.

“Congratulations,” Goffin, 28, of Belgium told him, “and I think you’re ready for New York.”