Red-hot Keys take Stanford title

MADISON KEYS looked to be in US Open form early yesterday at the WTA Tour’s Stanford tournament, beating American compatriot CoCo Vandeweghe 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 for her third career title.

The 22-year-old Keys was pleased with the win after battling injuries this year which caused her to miss the first two months of the season following wrist surgery.

“It hasn’t been the easiest last couple of months, but this means a lot to me,” said Keys, who earned her first win of 2017.

Keys also said the victory will give her confidence going into the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year which begins in three weeks in New York.

The world No. 21 Keys reached the final by eliminating reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza in straight sets, so it didn’t come as a surprise she played her best tennis in the final.

Keys hit two aces, had three double faults and won 76% of her first-serve points in the one hour, 28 minute match.

Vandeweghe, 24, also served brilliantly, hammering six aces and winning 73% of her first-serve points. She reached the final without dropping a set.

Keys won the first-set tiebreaker with a forehand winner down the line after both players held serve through all 12 games of the set.

After the only break of the match, Keys wasted no time finishing off Vandeweghe on her serve in the next game. She jumped out front 40-0 then closed out the win with a crosscourt forehand winner. – AFP