Andy Roddick has criticised WTA Tour rules after a peculiar regulation prevented Madison Keys from competing at the ATX Open Austin. The recent Australian Open champion had originally signed up for the WTA 250 event in Texas, but her new ranking position forced her out of the entry list.
The American had a remarkable start to the season, winning 12 consecutive matches and securing titles at the Adelaide International and the Australian Open. Keys defeated top players such as Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.
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As a result, Keys jumped from world No. 20 at the beginning of the season to her current ranking of No. 7. The 30-year-old American was originally entered in the ATX Open, but a WTA rule states that only one top-10 player can compete in a WTA 250 event.
Since world No. 6 Jessica Pegula was already committed to the tournament, she secured the top-10 spot, meaning Keys' new ranking status made her ineligible to participate. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick did not hold back in his criticism of the rule.
"Until you make an independent deal with a tournament and then you fly under our rules," Roddick said on his podcast Served with Roddick. "It’s so two-handed, and I am sure there is a technical piece where they are going to be fine."
"How is anyone ever going to make a deal with a top-30 player again? Just to get screwed over if things change? You’re literally weakening an already tough business, making it worse, diluting it."
"How are we supposed to support smaller markets? The fact that we’re even having this conversation is idiotic. A tournament just four weeks away—now what do they do? Tennis is going to tennis. It’s so dumb and short-sighted. Always."
Keys had initially planned to play the Qatar Open next week but withdrew due to a hamstring injury. The American will now have to wait until the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, taking place from 17 to 23 February, for her return to competition, where the entire top-10 is expected to be in the draw.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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