Madison Keys
Keys takes on Williams in Melbourne Getty

Venus Williams takes on Madison Keys in the quarter-final of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Where to watch

Williams v Keys is available live for UK viewers on British Eurosport HD and BBC Radio Five Live Extra from 12:00am (GMT). Live updates will also be available through the Australian Open's official website.

Preview

Williams reached her first quarter-final in Melbourne since 2010 despite dropping the second set in her 6-3 2-6 6-1 victory over Agnieszka Radwanska on Monday (26 January). The 34-year-old was made to work for her win and will face a similarly demanding challenge when she comes up against one of the new hopes of American tennis in 19-year-old Keys.

It's a full circle moment for both involved and a contest that bridges the generation gap in the women's division. Keys grew up watching Venus and her sister Serena play and was four years old when she first spotted Wednesday's opponent.

Keys, who defeated fellow American and fellow Madison, Madison Brengle, 6-4 6-2 to book her place in the final eight, was 13 when Venus won her last Grand Slam and can further reinforce her standing as a rising star if she can ensure that wait continues. While 15 years younger than her opponent, Keys can draw upon the experience of another American great, Lindsay Davenport, in her corner to help her cause.

What they said:

Venus Williams: "Lindsay [Davenport, Keys' coach] used to just hit a clean ball. She was so fun to watch play. I loved watching her play. Of course, didn't love watching her hit those clean balls against you.

"That was a part of it as well. I thought she brought a lot to tennis. I think she should actually get more credit. People don't always mention her name. But she was an amazing player. Yeah, definitely some similarities. Madison hits a clean ball, goes for it. So it looks like it's a good match."

Madison Keys: "I think Venus has helped the sport, especially the women's side with equal prize money. She was a huge part of that. Just watching her is inspirational. She's had her health battles. She loves tennis. She's still out here and she's doing it remarkably well. I think that's inspirational. However long, I hope I can be someone similar to that."

Betting odds (via William Hill)

Williams: 4/6

Keys: 6/5

Head-to-head record:

Williams 1-0 Keys (Charleston, 2013)

Previous meetings at the Australian Open: N/A

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