Keys has her task cut out, says Wilander

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Bengaluru, September 8: Former world No.1 Mats Wilander believes Madison Keys has her task cut out as faces Sloane Stephens in the all-American US Open women's final.

The Swede, who is in Flushing Meadows as a television pundit, opined that Keys will be under more pressure mainly because of her aggressive playing style.

Keys is expected to be the aggressor on Arthur Ashe Stadium against a more defensive Stephens, one of the best retrievers on the tour.

"It will be an interesting match because they have two completely different styles," said Wilander.

"It's hard to know if Stephens is quick enough to stay in the rallies for long enough and it's hard to know if Keys will keep away from missing after four or five shots if the ball keeps coming back."

Nerves, the Swede believes, will play an important role as the pressure will be sky high on two players on their home turf.

But it is Keys's game that could be more affected.

"I would think the pressure is on Madison Keys because she's lately been playing better and been in the top 10 this year," said Wilander, who won the US Open in 1988.

"It's much harder to play when you are the one who is going to be aggressive, it's harder to play because you're the one who has to make the choices, while Stephens will be here to survive."