( CNN ) -- As a 14-year-old Madison Keys announced her potential by defeating tennis ' leading lady Serena Williams in a professional team competition . Next January , as Williams bids for a third consecutive grand slam triumph , Keys will be hoping to make an impact at just her third major tournament after qualifying for the Australian Open . The American , now 17 , earned a wildcard for 2013 's first grand slam by beating compatriot Mallory Burdette in the final of a qualification event in Atlanta , Georgia . `` It 'd be great to go to Australia and not get killed in the first round this year , '' Keys , ranked 137 in the world , told the WTA Tour 's official website . `` I 'm pretty happy with how I 've been playing . I 'm just excited to go down to start playing some tournaments again . '' Keys ' triumph over Williams , the 15-time grand slam winner who also clinched double Olympic gold at London 2012 , came in the World TeamTennis competition . The team competition pits squads representing different U.S. cities against each other and uses a slightly altered scoring method . Keys , who became the youngest player in the competition 's history , beat Williams while playing for the Philadelphia Freedoms against the Washington Kastles . The Boca Raton native has won just one match at her two previous grand slams , beating Jill Craybas in the first round of the 2011 U.S. Open . Rhyne Williams won the men 's competition to book his place at the Australian Open , which begins on January 14 . Williams recorded a 7-6 ( 7-4 ) 5-7 6-3 6-3 win over Tim Smyczek to reach his second grand slam . The 21-year-old 's only other grand slam appearance came at the 2012 U.S. Open . He lost his first round match with fellow American and 2003 champion Andy Roddick in straight sets .
Madison Keys claims qualification for January 's 2013 Australian Open . The 17-year - old won a qualification tournament in Atlanta , Georgia . Keys beat Serena Williams in a professional singles competition aged 18 . Rhyne Williams wins the men 's event to win his second grand slam .