Charleston Winners: Madison Keys, Danielle Collins and Quincy The Dog

BY JAMES BECK

Is Madison Keys ready to step up again and win another big prize on the WTA Tour.

It certainly appeared to be an easy task for Keys’ bullet-like ground strokes that looked almost unbeatable until it came down to finishing the job in her first match in this year’s Credit One Charleston Open.

But then the old Keys stepped forward. Was this the same player who walked off with the big trophy in this year’s Australian Open?

KEYS HAS TROUBLE FINISHING THE JOB

In the afternoon sun, the talented Keys couldn’t finish the job even while holding a half-a-dozen match points, at least for awhile. The second set went from a 5-3 edge for Keys to a 6-5 lead for big-hitting Caroline Dolehide before Keys hit a pair of aces in four serves to regain dominance.

Keys suddenly was in charge again and went on to take a 7-4 tiebreaker win for a 6-3, 7-6 (4) round of 32 victory in Charleston. Keys won this event in 2019.

A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD THIS WEEK

Winning another key WTA tournament this week will be a difficult job for even someone as talented and successful as Keys has been over the years.

Defending champion Danielle Collins opened her bid for another COCO title with a one-sided 6-3, 6-1 victory over Robin Montgomery on Tuesday. Top-seeded Jessica Pegula and hometown favorite fourth seed Emma Navarro both take center court on Wednesday.

KEYS, COLLINS AND QUINCEY ARE WINNERS

For now, it’s great to have a Grand Slam champion like Keys leading the way, alongside Collins and her   dog named Quincy around for at least a few more days.

Quincy is having a ball. “He’s been very spoiled here,” Quincy master, Collins, said.

“The food this week has been phenomenal, and people have been so nice in the dining area, making him smoked salmon and fish and chicken.”

Quincy made his debut at Monday’s press round table for key players like Keys, Collins and Navarro. Quincy quietly sat outside the media event, soaking up the scents of the working media as they walked by. Some even were able to pet the beautiful dog.

“He knows when we’ve at a tennis court . . . he goes to all practices when we’re at home,” Collins said.

So, what is this about? A very sweet, well-mannered five-year-old Labradoodle, “who loves coming to the courts.”

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James Beck (843-795-3584, h), (843-412-3765, c)

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James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award  for print media. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.