Teenagers to watch in 2014 ... Madison Keys

Madison Keys - USA
Rank: 38
Age: 18

Mention the name Madison Keys to anyone who knows anything about tennis and they will tell you, "big game" or "massive potential". In fact, the American has one of the biggest games on tour, a game that would rival the likes of Serena Williams.

Madison is starting to harness her big game too, there's a real lacking in consistency but it's getting better. The positive signs - Keys has a lot of shape on all of her shots, so it'll be easy for her to build in consistency to her game. Her shots aren't just bullets, they're cannons - heavy and forcing.

The teenager is the type of player that no top player wants to see drawn near them in a tournament. She is intimidating, even for the very best.

"Her shots aren't just bullets, they're cannons - heavy and forcing."

In my mind, there is no doubt Madison will be a top player - she just has too much game and potential not to be. However, when it will happens remains to be seen, it's possible that her game will remain a little too raw for a couple of years. Once it is refined, she'll join the elite.

Watch for Madison to make waves at the Australian Open, she seems to perform well down here. Her ranking may yo-yo a bit due to the inconsistency in her play but I think she will rise into the top 20 next year. Her temperament seems fairly good, nothing concerning enough to make one think it'll counteract her potential.

Predictions -

2014 End-of-year ranking - Top 20 (15-16)

I actually think her game will translate to most surfaces. She doesn't come across particularly athletic right now, but that'll be a focal point for Madison going forward. I think she'll have quite a few runs at big tournaments next year and it'll thrust her well into the top 20.

2014 highlight - 4th Round of the Australian Open

I think Madison will have a few runs, but it also depends on what type of player she runs into. A crafty consistent player like Radwanska is not a good opponent for Madison. She can out hit the best of them and that'll get her deep into tournaments like the Australian Open. Watch for her early in the season when she's highly motivated and has a lot of energy.