The race to the Olympics has taken a dramatic twist. Although Madison Keys had a slow start to the season, it seems that the phrase “slow and steady wins the race” applies to her perfectly! Making her way through the ranking, Keys has overthrown her American competitor and earned her place in the top 15!

After a semifinal run at the Madrid Open, Madison Keys’ eyes are now on the Italian Open. But while she focuses on her current form, her ranking during her last four WTA 1000s has received a huge surge. Naturally, it has boosted her Olympic hopes, as she now holds the position of 14 in the WTA ranking. However, while Keys enjoys her time on top, her fellow compatriot, Emma Navarro, is going to have a hard battle ahead. 

After her Round 64 exit from the Italian Open, Navarro’s only hope now is to revive herself in the Roland Garros ahead. Once a potential candidate for the Olympic team, Navarro’s position has sadly gone down to number 18. However, while both of these players compete for the race, Danielle Collins’ presence at number 12 remains untouched.

With the Miami Open and Charleston Open titles, the 30-year-old player has clinched the top spot for a while now. Therefore, undoubtedly, her place in the Olympic squad is also apparent. Along with her, the other two American players, Coco Gauff (ranked No. 2) and Jessica Pegula (ranked No. 5), are guaranteed their place in the Olympics as well. 

And we already know there will be potentially only four top players representing the U.S. in the Olympics. Therefore, the question is: with Gauff, Pegula, and Collins securing their place already, who will be the fourth player? Madison Keys or Emma Navarro? If Keys remains in her position, she will definitely earn her place in Paris this year. But it will not be her first Olympic run.

Madison Keys: The successful 2016 Olympic run that almost was

In 2016, Madison Keys came quite close to winning an Olympic medal in Rio. Although she advanced to the semifinals of that year, Keys fell short of securing a medal after a third-round loss. And it definitely stung. Even though she suffered from a neck injury a few days ago before her Olympics, Madison Keys’ unwavering determination and commitment to her sport did not flicker. 

But sadly, after a 5-7, 6-2, 2-6 defeat against Petra Kvitova, Keys finished her Olympic performance in fourth place. But, after almost eight years, it is time for her to begin the journey in the Olympics once again. On the other hand, Emma Navarro’s possible participation in the Olympics this year will be her first. Therefore, the competition is tough. While both Keys and Navarro fight for more points in their upcoming game, it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious.