WTA Rising Star Madison Keys’ athletic game and easy power, particularly on serve, have earned plenty of rave reviews, as well as some favorable comparisons with one of her childhood idols, Serena Williams.

In 2015, Keys did nothing to discourage these parallels with her illustrious compatriot, making regular forays to the business end at tennis’ flagship events. And, while consistency across the season still proved elusive – she failed to register back-to-back wins at 12 of 19 events – there were plenty of signs to suggest that a major breakthrough may not be that far off.

Her penchant for rising to the big occasion was showcased in the opening month of the season, brushing aside early exits at tune-up events in Brisbane and Sydney to reach the semifinals at the Australian Open.

Williams ended this run Down Under and seven months later was also responsible for dashing her US Open hopes, winning their much-ballyhooed fourth round encounter in two flawless sets to send Keys back to the drawing board.

“She was playing really, really well. I feel like I had to play my absolute best,” Keys said after her loss in New York. “If I wasn’t hitting a winner, I feel like she was. She put a lot of pressure on me to have to kind of almost overplay. I felt like I was going for it more than I normally would have. I felt like if I didn’t hit a winner, I wouldn’t get to the next ball.”

Such are the standards set by those at the pinnacle of the WTA, the 20-year-old will need to hit these heights if she is to take the next step, namely, a place in the Top 10 and lifting some major silverware.

Luckily, in Keys’ corner is someone who has been there, done that and got the t-shirt: former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport.

Since joining forces late last year, Davenport and Keys have formed one of the more intriguing relationships in tennis. Add Davenport’s husband Jon Leach to the mix and the 20-year-old has all the pieces in place to make the most of her boundless potential.

“It’s been a really fun so far,” Davenport said during the summer hardcourt season. “There’s a lot of excitement about everything coming up.”

As for the here and now, Keys eased herself into the ardors of pre-season training back home in Rock Island, Illinois, before moving to warmer climes to fine-tune her preparations. Davenport, though, knows that there is no rushing her young charge.

“She’s developing on her own timeline. When she’s ready everyone will know. And she’s still getting there.”