Muguruza, Keys might be forming the next great rivalry

The third-round blockbuster between Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza and American rising star Madison Keys produced a three-set thriller that had all the trappings of a major final. It was another example of why they could make up the premier power rivalry in tennis.

Although she has two career majors, the victory may have been a more important one for No. 6-ranked Muguruza. She had lost to No. 17-ranked Keys in their three previous encounters­­–including a virtual home advantage on Rome clay in 2016 prior to winning the French Open­–and was humbled at Stanford’s Bank of the West classic earlier this month, losing 6-3, 6-2. Defeating Keys on American hard courts is an important boost for the Spaniard, who will need this edge at the upcoming US Open.

They are champions cut from the same cloth. Both rivals boast power games from the baseline with their athletic court movement and entertaining flair for the dramatic. Keys delivered a jaw-dropping drop shot and stretch volley to help wrap up the second set.

A few hours later, after a lengthy rain delay, Keys delivered a graceful buggy-whip forehand winner that set up what could have been the winning service break.

Instead, Muguruza showed her championship mettle, breaking back and playing consistent tennis in the tiebreaker. Her backhand was steady and Keys pressed for too many errors in attempting to close out the match.

Most of all, both stars showed their intensity and competitiveness. They each give little to their opponents. Keys, in particular, can be more dominating with her serve and forehand, while Muguruza is more likely to be patient, with more topspin and margin in creating safer points. But neither player is willing to concede to the other, so they both operate on the edge between control and beautiful chaos. They put on a pleasing performance where margins are slim and highlights abound.

Keys will have to be content with her Stanford title and extra rest before the US Open. She’s close to a major breakthrough, but that will require consistency for seven straight matches, including wins over two or three Top 10 players. On the bright side, she will have the crowd support and fast hard courts to enhance her game.

Muguruza has been evolving on faster courts and may be dawning as the consistent champion many thought she could be after defeating Serena Williams for the 2016 French Open. She followed up her win over Keys with another impressive victory over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

While Muguruza keeps building momentum toward No. 1, Keys could be biding her time to punch her way to the US Open title next month. The rivalry is just beginning.

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