5 best moments of Madison Keys in 2016

ROME, ITALY - MAY 15: Madison Keys of the United States in action against Serena Williams of the United States during the Womens Singles Finalduring day eight of The Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2016 on May 15, 2016 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) — Keys made the finals at the clay-court Internazional BNL d’Italia this year, losing to Serena Williams

#4 Breaks into top-10 WTA rankings

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Madison Keys of United States plays a backhand during her Women's Singles Final against Barbara Strycova of Czech Republic on day seven of the WTA Aegon Classic at Edgbaston Priory Club on June 19, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for LTA) — Progressing to the semi-final at the Aegon Classic, Keys hit the top 10

After a strong clay court season, Keys followed it up with a strong showing at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham a week before Wimbledon.

The ferocious American had to get past Carla Suarez-Navarro in the semifinal of the event to break into the top-10 rankings for the first time in her career. She promptly went on to defeat the 15th ranked Spaniard 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 to become the first new American to break into the top-10 since a certain Serena Williams 17 years ago.

In willing herself to a comeback win after losing the first set, Keys admitted that she had pretended like she did not know the significance of the victory. She elaborated, “I heard about the top 10 ranking from my coach but tried to pretend I didn’t know about it.” Well, to each her own. But there was no arguing the fact it was a significant win in her career.

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Edited by Staff Editor