By Erik Gudris | Friday, March 21, 2014

 

Young American Madison Keys posted a upset win today in Miami. Next up is a familiar foe in No. 2 seed Li Na.

Photo Credit: AP

19-year-old Madison Keys continues to prove she is a player to watch for the future.

The young American posted yet another solid win at the Sony Open Tennis event in Miami. Taking on No. 31 seed Daniela Hantuchova, Keys blasted five aces en route to a 6-4, 6-2 win.

Playing in Miami is special for Keys as she considers it her home event.

"I mean, this is definitely my home tournament, so being able to come and do well and have the crowd behind me, it's always just such an amazing feeling down here," Keys said after her second round win.

Keys, now ranked No. 38, continues to make a slow but steady charge up the women's rankings. Each year she spends on tour is a continuing learning experience for her.

"I mean, I think just doing it over and over and over again. You kind of just get used to it a little bit more. You know how to handle it, especially on the big stages with, you know, your home crowd behind you. You get used to it a little bit more. You're used to the nerves and all that. It's not as nerve wracking. But, I mean, it's still such an experience to go out and have the crowd just to get really pumped up off of them."

Next up for Keys is a familiar opponent in No. 2 seed Li Na.

Keys knows the Chinese star both on and off the court. That's because they both share the same big-time sports agent in Max Eisenbud. Coined "Eisenbuddies" by someone during her press conference, Keys was asked who she thought Eisenbud would be rooting for.

"I think he's going to be out in his car in the parking lot and not even watching the match," Keys replied.

But Keys knows Li will be a tough opponent having played her previously.

"I mean, it's such a good experience, you know. I think I have played her she's probably one of the only her and (Agnieszka) Radwanska are like the only two top five players I play on a continuous basis. Yeah, just a good experience and excited to go play."