Keys takes on the haters

Madison Keys posted a video to her Twitter page on Thursday in the US.

It showed her playing a rally against a male hitting partner, during which she advances to the net behind a barrage of attacking strokes and winning the point when her opponent pushes a lob long off her short volley.

Keys posted the video to celebrate that fact that “I came to the net and hit a volley!” – a self-deprecating comment about her preference for the baseline.

Yet among the comments in response were – surprise, surprise – several negative ones.

One pointed out that she was lobbed – ignoring the fact the lob had sailed well long.

One wondered why she hadn’t hit a winner sooner.

A few wrested the discussion away from the volley to focus instead on the perceived poor quality of serving on the women’s tour.

One commented that they simply didn’t like Keys.

The responses prompted fellow American pro Jessica Pegula to observe:

@Madison_Keys who woulda thought one practice point would get so much scrutiny ???????

— Jessie Pegula (@JLPegula) February 23, 2017

So Keys decided to return fire.

Alternative facts? https://t.co/KUmc35yoh3

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) February 23, 2017

And it went out. And I won the point. So yay me ???????? https://t.co/Ecu1ZEnhbj

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) February 23, 2017

What if it's cause women have really good return of serves? https://t.co/cmTjbRKm74

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) February 23, 2017

I mean… personally I always thought serving was a strength of mine https://t.co/HKOntIJA70

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) February 23, 2017

Thank you…..? I think https://t.co/hXUTJDFptv

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) February 23, 2017

Keys is working toward a comeback after missing the Australian circuit in January due to wrist surgery.

She hasn’t set a return date.