Fans Watch Madison Keys In Australian Open - News and Weather For The Quad Cities -

Fans Watch Madison Keys In Australian Open

Updated:
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:25:36 GMT
    Update 6-18-13: Davenport police say an autopsy on the victim, Douglas Whalen, shows the cause of his death was from a blunt force injury to the head. According to police, Whalen was involved in an altercation
    Update 6-18-13: Davenport police say an autopsy on the victim, Douglas Whalen, shows the cause of his death was from a blunt force injury to the head. According to police, Whalen was involved in an altercation
  • Monday, June 17 2013 3:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:20:43 GMT
    A father and son are dead after a motorcycle crash in Colona, Ill., on Friday afternoon, June 14, 2013.Officers say it happened around 2:00 p.m., at the intersection of US 6 and Illinois 84, when a Buick
    A father and son are dead after a motorcycle crash in Colona, Ill., on Friday afternoon, June 14, 2013.Officers say it happened around 2:00 p.m., at the intersection of US 6 and Illinois 84, when a Buick
  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:44:27 GMT
    There's renewed talk about when children should head back to class in Iowa.Under current Iowa law, schools are required to start the week of September first, but nearly all districts apply for waivers
    There's renewed talk about when children should head back to class in Iowa.Under current Iowa law, schools are required to start the week of September first, but nearly all districts apply for waivers

A lot of people were rooting for Quad City native Madison Keys Thursday night. The 17-year old tennis player went into her third round match in the Australian open. Her fans think keys may have the key to big things in her career.

At the Quad City Tennis Club in Moline there was a time-out from the volleys and lobs and attention went to the small screen. That's where many watched as 17-year old Keys took on some tough competition in the Aussie Open.

"Playing a top player and might beat her. It's amazing how well she's playing right now," said Tim Baldridge, a private coach at the QCTC. Baldridge coached keys in her very early years. In a watch party with dozens of players, coaches and their families they see more of the same power and promise. "Seven years old I remember at one of the camps we had she was hitting with high school kids," he added.

"We knew she was special right from the get go. But we didn't know how special," sad Josh Baldridge a pro tennis instructor.

She may have the whole package, with top announcers predicting a championship in her future. Many of the coaches and players at the club have been following her career and can't wait to see where it takes her from here. Players close to keys age say seeing her get international attention is an inspiration.

"It's cool for people to here there's a girl from here playing tennis and maybe it will get some younger kids to play," said Dana Waterman, a 16-year old Bettendorf High School student.

Win or lose she's serving up a lot of excitement for local sports fans. Keys lost a tough battle against 5th seeded Angelique Kerber in her third match.