Keys in ‘full flow’ to clear second hurdle

Since a second-round exit at Roland-Garros 2023, the world No.8 has not failed to book a third-round ticket or better at every Grand Slam she’s entered.

On Court Philippe-Chatrier on Wednesday, the 30-year-old reminded the draw of her ruthless streak, navigating past world No.38 Katie Boulter to the loss of just four games.

Story of the match

Great Britain’s Boulter geared up for Roland-Garros by lifting a maiden clay title at WTA 125 level on the nearby courts at the Lagardère Paris Racing club. 

The 28-year-old transferred that form to frustrate Keys’ rythym in the prolonged opening exchanges, before Keys stole a 3-1 advantage with a gruelling 24 minutes played.

Keys’ inside-out forehand is a reliable metric for her comfort on court and the No.7 seed connected with a couple to keep Boulter at bay.

While the American kept changing through the gears, the Brit was searching for answers. Simply put, Keys was rushing her every single strike.

It was the inside-out forehand that rocketed past Boulter to consolidate an instant break at the start of the second set.

Boulter fended off match point at 5-1, skimming a backhand off the baseline to add to her tally. A backhand drop shot with devious back spin sent the determined world No.38 towards 5-3.

It was too late, Keys wasn’t about to derail her focus and managed to close out victory in 79 minutes.

Key stats

The 30-year-old has made a strong start to her 13th appearance at Roland-Garros, where her best result is a semi-final spot in 2018.

Keys will be pleased to have conjured up plenty of chances versus the in-form Boulter, but will want to be more clinical after a five from 17 conversion rate on break points.

The variety displayed will bring a smile for Keys, with 10 drop shots, six passing shots and an 8-12 ratio up at the net signalling an impressive performance.

What Keys said

On taking out an in-form player: “I usually just try to focus on myself and my side of the court. Also, knowing that she’s going to hit some really great shots, she’s got a really good serve. I knew that some balls were going to go right past me today and you have to be OK with that.

Assessing her game on this surface: “I’m coming to love clay. You definitely have to be more patient to set up the point. You have to accept you might have to reset in a point, add a little different shape to shots. It’s something I’ve tried to add to my game over all these years.

“I really love being here, playing here, it’s always such an honour to play on these biggest courts. It’s always a great day to get a result on this court.”

Following routines: “I typically go with the flow. I just do what my husband tells me to do [coach, Bjorn Fratangelo],” joked Keys. “No, I get a say. We’ll go practice, worry about the next match, maybe focus on some specifics for the next round and then go and enjoy the city.”