Getting Acquainted With... Madison Keys

© Getty ImagesMadison Keys qualified into her second Miami main draw on Tuesday.

Madison Keys is considered one of the future stars of American tennis, having won a WTA match at the age of 14 and impressing at the US Open last year in her first main draw appearance at a Grand Slam event.

On Tuesday, the 17 year old qualified into her second Sony Ericsson Open main draw with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Anastasia Rodionova. SonyEricssonOpen.com caught up with Keys to talk about playing at her hometown event and her infatuation with baking.

Today, you rallied from a slow start to advance to the main draw. What got you through the match?
After the first set, I didn’t feel like I was playing well and wasn’t really happy with myself. I had to regroup and be pleased with how I played, even if I didn’t win.

What is it like having a WTA premier tournament so close to your home in Boca Raton?
It’s nice obviously. My sisters and my parents are here, so it’s great to have them here. And I’ve hit on these courts before a ton of times because it’s so close.

How do you handle ticket requests, as I imagine you have an overflow of people who want to come out and watch you play?
Haha. Honestly, I don’t really deal with it. I have my coach do it for me. I have a lot of friends and family that want to come, so I try and give as many tickets as I can. But then sometimes, they have to buy them!

You became one of the youngest players in history to win a tour-level match three years ago. Which area of your game has improved the most since that victory?
I think the biggest thing is I’ve matured more and I understand how I’m supposed to be playing. I have a better understanding of the game, so it’s definitely helped.

At the end of 2011, you won a USTA wild card playoff for the second time to secure a spot into your first main draw at the Australian Open. What was that experience like and how did it compare to competing at last year’s US Open?
It was pretty exciting. Being able to go play my first main draw in Melbourne was great. Obviously, the US Open wild card was awesome because it’s a home Grand Slam, but they were both amazing tournaments.

In the past, you’ve mentioned that your favorite player is Roger Federer. What is it about him that inspires you?
I think he has so much class on the court. And he loves the sport so much. If I can play tennis as long as him and still completely love the sport, I’ll be happy.

You’re an avid baker. If you were to open a bakery, what would you name it, where would the storefront be located, and what would your signature item be?
I don’t really know what I would want to name it. But I would definitely want to have it in Chicago. My signature would be an Oreo cheesecake cupcake.

So do you have a favorite baking show on Food Network or the other cooking channels?
I really like Sweet Genius. The things they can come up with these random ingredients is simply amazing. And I also like Ace Of Cakes.