Aryna Sabalenka‘s exit from Wimbledon spread a misconception that it would be an easy run for Coco Gauff ahead. While some came forward to point out the fact that the American would be facing nothing but “scrubs”, her compatriot made claims of posing a tough challenge. Fully determined to beat the quarter-final curse this time, Madison Keys now stands strong as a hurdle.

In a recent interview with the former pro Martina Navratilova, Madison Keys opened up about her struggles on the grass courts of Wimbledon. “I think it’s one of the surfaces where I feel like it can get away from you really quickly,” she said, pointing at the challenges she thinks can haunt a player. The American made it to the quarter-finals last year where she had to face Aryna Sabalenka and therefore couldn’t extend her run beyond the point.

“Last year, I didn’t fully believe that I could’ve beaten Sabalenka, and that kind of held me back a little bit. So it’s definitely mental, probably more than other surfaces,” she said, remembering the setback faced in the previous year.

However, besides the admission of her challenges, she also shared her determination to get past the the round that stubs her each year. “But I’m looking forward to trying to finally get past the quarterfinals here at Wimbledon,” Keys added.

This statement from Keys can be seen as a direct challenge to her compatriot and possible quarter-final rival Coco Gauff. While Many believe Gauff has an easy path to the title this year becaus eof an easy draw, Keys stands as a major challenge for her. The 29-year-old seems to be dominant as she won all four sets in the two matches against Martina Trevisan and Wang Yafan.

Despite her remarkable potential and best win percentage on grass as the Tennis Channel hosts put it, the American just needs a bit of encourgaement to make it to the semis and maybe even finals this year. She attained this position back in 2015 and again in 2023. While Keys is more determined than ever to break this curse this time, it could mark another setback from a compatriot for Coco Gauff.

When Madison Keys successfully halted Coco Gauff’s run in Madrid

Coco Gauff is currently the most discussed American WTA star. Madison Keys, who is preparing herself to pose a tough challenge for the World No. 2, proved the worth of her experience recently. The 29-year-old needed to get past Gauff in Madrid and managed to do so, though it wasn’t easy.

“I definitely had to stay tough. I was behind in every set… I had to stay calm and trust myself,” Keys said after she secured a position in the quarter-finals in Madrid first time out of her 10 appearances. The 29-year-old also stands ahead of the young rival in their head-to-head score which marks a 3-2 lead for Keys. As they’re set to possibly battle for the sixth time in their careers, the fate is yet to be witnessed.