"She needs to do more of that": Andy Roddick’s advice to Madison Keys ahead of Australian Open final

Andy Roddick offered advice to Madison Keys before her Australian Open final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The World No. 14 is on an impeccable start to the season with an 11-0 record, matching Sabalenka’s streak. She surprised many by defeating Iga Swiatek in the semifinals.

The 29-year-old American has demonstrated her potential by reaching her second Grand Slam final, with wins over notable opponents like former finalist Elena Rybakina and Ukrainian Elina Svitolina along the way. Her victory over Swiatek, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 [10-8], secured her spot in the Australian Open final.

Roddick highlights the serve factor

The only other time Keys reached a Grand Slam final was at the 2017 US Open, where she lost to her friend Sloane Stephens in a dominant 6-3, 6-0 match. The former World No. 7 now has another opportunity, though she faces a steep challenge against Sabalenka, the most dominant player over the past year, particularly on hard courts.

Read also

"Save it": Andy Roddick backs Iga Swiatek to come good on hard court despite Australian Open heartbreak

In the latest episode of Served with Roddick, the former World No. 1 emphasized that Keys’ serving efficiency will be crucial to challenging Sabalenka’s reign in Melbourne.“If Maddie Keys wants to win the Australian Open, her [first serve] number needs to be up around that 69/70%,” Roddick explained. “It needs to be above 65, 67%. And she will have to move the second serve around the box a little bit."

“The kick is great because it gets up above. Iga was able to handle it. Sabalenka will be able to handle it. I would love to see her mix it up, even early against Sabalenka so she doesn’t know what is coming,” Roddick added on his podcast.

Read also

Daily Dose of Social Media: Aryna Sabalenka's dance moves light up Aussie Open, Andreeva and Raducanu shares Melbourne memories

“If Sabalenka knows what is coming, she is going to put an absolute hurt on the ball, and Maddie is going to have to switch directions more than she likes to. Maddie was threading lines today [vs. Swiatek], she is going to have to do more of that.”

The women’s final is set for Saturday night at Rod Laver Arena. Sabalenka aims to become the first player since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. Meanwhile, Keys could become the first American to claim the title since Sofia Kenin in 2020.

Read also

No Serena, no Venus: Aryna Sabalenka accomplishes what only four legends have done before

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe