2019 Volvo Car Open - Madison Keys Wins

Keys Smiling at Media All Access Day

The formula for success regarding ladies professional tennis in the Lowcountry began with the Family Circle Cup.  Three years ago when Swedish auto manufacturer Volvo began building their high-end vehicles in South Carolina, the tournament changed names to Volvo Car Open. What didn’t change was the commitment to execute a prestigious event that would draw quality players to Charleston. American Madison Keys of Orlando is the 2019 Volvo Car Champion and is a great example of the kind of pro tennis player that shows up each year looking to take home a tennis trophy and a new Volvo S-60.

            

Runner-Up Caroline Wozniacki and
2019 Volvo Car Open Champion Madison Keys

The Volvo Car Open (VCO) tournament director Bob Moran had to get creative when scheduling matches during the steady hit or miss rain showers last week. The finals match did get underway at the scheduled time of 1 p.m. on Sunday April 7, but the morning doubles match final was rained out, and thus played later in the day. The finals match with Keys playing 2011 past champ Caroline Wozniacki began with a hotly contested first set that went all the way to a tiebreaker. When Keys saw a chance to be aggressive during the tiebreak, she hit winners like she had all week long to claim the first set 7 – 6 (5).

Keys accepts the applause of tennis fans in Volvo Car Stadium

The second set came much easier for Keys at 6 - 3, notching her fourth overall tennis title, and her first ever on a clay court surface. The Danish veteran Wozniacki, who owns 30 tennis titles overall, agreed that Keys was just too good on this day.  Keys hit 54 winners during the finals match and she beat three past champions during the week, including 2016 Champ Sloane Stephens in the semifinal match. Keys has played the VCO tourney each year since 2013 and brought enthusiasm and confidence to every match. Her tennis game continues to evolve, recently adding new coach Juan Todero, to keep trending towards success on the WTA tour.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about the Volvo Car Open click on 2018 - 2017 -  2016- 2015- 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009