With Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, America has two developing young stars that are climbing up the WTA rankings. I believe great times are ahead for both of these girls and in this blog post I want to give you a quick overview about their respective game styles, strengths and weaknesses, and also make some predictions about how successful I think they can become.
1. Sloane Stephens
Sloane climbed to a career high ranking of number 17 in the world after reaching the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year. At 19 years old (as of February 2013), she possesses phenomenal athletic ability and lots of confidence in her abilities as a tennis player!
Check Out Sloane’s Game In These Highlights From Brisbane 2013
Game Analysis
As you could see in the video Sloane is a phenomenal athlete, which is her biggest strength on the tennis court. She has a very good backhand and can hit lots of winners with her forehand when she has enough time.
Nevertheless she has a huge swing on her forehand and as a result the stroke is vulnerable when opponents manage to put pressure on it.
She tends to play a bit too defensive from far behind the baseline and makes up for that with her athleticism.
Strengths:
- Physical Ability
- Mental Toughness
- Very Good Backhand
- Good At Finishing Points At Net
- Excellent Defensive Skills
Weaknesses:
- Huge Forehand Swing
- Forehand Return Of Serve
- Defensive Mindset
- Second Serve At Times Too Weak
My Prediction:
Sloane Stephens certainly has the potential to become a Grand Slam winner and even become the number 1 player in the world at some point. In order for that to happen, I believe she needs to learn to play more aggressive and stay closer to the baseline!
For those of you interested in more detailed information on Sloane’s game please click on this link: Sloane Stephens
2. Madison Keys
Madison at just 17 years old is ranked 82nd in the world as of February 2013. In 2007/2008 I was part of her coaching team at the Evert Tennis Academy and at the time I was already convinced that she will be a future Top10 player.
Have A Look At Madison’s Huge Game In These Highlights!
Game Analysis
As you could see in the video Madison is an athletic player with tons of firepower. She likes to play aggressive and has a huge serve that I think will soon become one of the biggest weapons on the WTA Tour!
Her backhand is also excellent. She hits winners down the line and oftentimes steps in to take time away from her opponents.
The one slight weakness in her game is the forehand. She hits a solid forehand and can hit plenty of winners with the shot. Similar to Sloane Stephens though, she has a huge swing and can get into trouble when someone puts pressure on her forehand!
Mentally she is also very tough and driven towards her goal of becoming the best she can possibly be!
Madison Keys is extremely gifted physically. Compared to the best players in the world though, she does not quite move as well as she needs to yet. This is of course no surprise at just 17 years of age. She has plenty of time to improve that movement and I am certain she will do just that!
Strengths
- Great Athleticism
- Huge Serve
- Great Backhand
- Mental Toughness
Weaknesses
- Forehand Is Vulnerable Under Pressure
- Movement Can Still Be Improved
My Prediction:
Madison has it all. Lots of firepower, a great serve and a great attitude towards the game.
I believe Madison has the potential to become a multiple Grand Slam champion and world number 1 player! (I must admit I am slightly biased since I worked with her)
For those of you interested in more detailed information on Madison’s career and game please click this link: Madison Keys
Conclusion:
Both of these girls have a very bright future ahead of them and I think all American tennis fans can be very excited about the upcoming future!
Sloane as well as Madison could certainly end up winning several Grand Slam titles. I think it will be slightly easier for Madison because it is more natural for her to play aggressive and she has bigger weapons with her serve and backhand!
