Keys and Hradecka set up big-hitting Charleston semifinal contest

We don't have to wonder what it will be like when Madison Keys and Lucie Hradecka play each other in tomorrow's Family Circle Cup semifinals--we already know. Both 7th-seeded Keys and qualifier Hradecka are very big hitters, and they will go at each other tomorrow until one of them wears the other one down.

Lucie Hradecka (photo by Daniel Ward)

In today's first quarterfinal match, Keys efficiently handled countrywoman Lauren Davis, 6-2, 6-2, without appearing to even break a sweat. The young player from Illinois has developed steadily over the past couple of years, combining a big serve and even bigger groundstrokes with increased court sense and an ability to take command of a match.

Madison Keys (photo by Daniel Ward)

Hradecka's story is a bit different. The 29-year-old Czech player, who--with Andrea Hlavackova--has won both the French Open and the U.S. Open doubles titles, has concentrated on her fitness the last few years, and this has paid off for her in singles play. Recently, Hradecka made another change in her fitness regime--changing her diet. As a result, she said today, she experiences less inflammation,
her body recovers faster, and she has stopped having asthma attacks when the humidity is high.

Having already taken out 8th seed Caroline Garcia, Hradecka upset 4th seed Sara Errani in straight sets today, repeatedly dismissing the Italian's weak serves. The Czech player, who had to go through qualifying, has now played six matches in Charleston.

Hradecka after hitting match point (photo by Daniel Ward)