“We have too many tournaments in the season. It’s not going to end well,”– said Iga Swiatek, as she narrated her recovery ordeal. But the question everyone would ask is: why not skip a tournament and get back, rather than asking for lesser tournaments? Everything has a cost attached, as winning tournaments awards points and monetary benefits. Skipping them lends a player into troubled waters. As the youngsters figure out how to navigate the circuit, the veteran Madison Keys might have come to their aid. She has a few aces to share.

Keys may not be a lot older than the Pole, but the American tennis star has been active on tour since she was 14 years old. Now, as a 29-year-old, she is ready to take up the US Open challenge against Katerina Siniakova. In the last 15 years, Keys has certainly cracked the code to manage the hectic schedule during the season. Hence, when Serve ONSI inquired about her opinion on Swiatek’s call for fewer tournaments, during an interview on 21 August, she said, “I think you have to be really smart with how you make your schedule.”

Tennis Authorities make their year-long schedule to facilitate most of the players in the circuit. Not every tournament is a necessity for the players. But every player eyes the Masters 1000 and Grand Slam, among other tournaments, to climb their way up. Hence, Keys thinks that the players should customize their calendars rather than looking at the authorities. She further remarked, “It’s about knowing your body and maximizing the calendar to fit your needs. That’s different for everyone.”

Moreover, there is a need to approach the issue of lesser tournaments holistically. Things differ from player to player and some may prefer to play every week. Competition brings out the best in athletes and while things might be hectic at the top level, it’s not the case at the lower level. “There are a lot of tennis players and not a ton of opportunities at the elite level,” Keys remarked. Rightly so, lower-ranked players are eagerly making their way by playing in tournaments where top-level players are no-shows.

Keys further detailed the repercussions of fewer tournaments, as it’s not just about the players taking the court. But also the preparations made behind the scenes to ensure that everything moves smoothly on the tournament day. She said, “So, I would never want to say we need fewer tournaments, which means fewer jobs for more people. So it’s more about how to prioritize for your own career.”

This isn’t the first time that Keys has come in support of younger players. From praising Swiatek’s clay court prowess to unexpected advice for Mirra Andreeva, the American tennis star has often stood strong beside the upcoming generation on the tennis court.

‘Kind’ Madison Keys came in support of young tennis players

Keys has gained a reputation for expressing her views without attracting much negative attention. Back in 2020, she launched an initiative, “Kindness Wins” to encourage the world to embrace positivity. The same zeal and passion followed Keys at Wimbledon 2023 when she ended the 16-year-old Andrea’s dream run at the Grass Slam. During the post-match interview, they asked her for advice she would give to the player.

Keys said, “I would say ignore everyone and everything that they say unless you actually care about their opinion.” She further praised the young tennis star on her journey in the circuit. “I mean, I think it’s great. She’s obviously doing really well to get here, She got herself through qualities and won multiple matches. She’s obviously a very good tennis player.”

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The fiercely competitive Madison Keys may not relent on her opponents on the court. But off the court, the player seems to play a ‘big sister’ role for the upcoming generation.