Madison Keys advanced to the fourth round of the French Open after a hard-fought comeback victory against fellow American Sofia Kenin, with the match ending 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. This marks Keys’ first time reaching this stage at Roland Garros since 2022.
The tournament showcases a strong presence of American players, and Keys’ next challenge is another all-American match against 23-year-old Hailey Baptiste, currently ranked 70th in the WTA standings.
Following her win over Kenin, Keys expressed admiration for Baptiste, noting her impressive progression in the sport over the past year and a half. She highlighted Baptiste’s recent successful performances and indicated that she has been aware of her talent since Baptiste’s early days as a competitor.
Keys emphasized the competitive nature of their upcoming match, acknowledging Baptiste’s versatility and ability to strike powerful shots. “I think it’s going to be a really tough match. She is very talented and knows how to mix up paces,” Keys commented, conveying her anticipation for the challenge ahead.
The two players have met three times previously, with Keys leading their head-to-head record 2-1. Their last encounter at the Charleston Open in 2023 saw Keys win decisively, while Baptiste managed to push Keys to a third-set tiebreak during their match at Indian Wells in 2024.
As both players aim for a place in the quarter-finals, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive encounter.