The last time that Americans Serena Williams and Madison Keys were seen in tournament action was in Melbourne at the Australian Open. There, Williams discredited some naysayers once more and earned her 19th major title, while Keys broke through with a run to the semifinals. Now, despite different motives, both turn to Indian Wells seeking to build on that success.

The return to Indian Wells by Serena Williams after a 14-year boycott has been well documented and praised by many of her peers throughout the tour. The world No. 1 had refused to participate in the tournament after some racist fan reactions during her 2001 finals victory against Kim Clijsters. This came on the heels of her sister’s withdrawal due to injury just prior to her semifinal match. Venus Williams continues to boycott the event and is not in the draw.

However, Serena has finally placed the 2001 incident behind her, stating, “I'm still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. I play for the love of the game. It is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015.”

This continues a recent theme by the 19-time major champion, who has admittedly played more for fun and pressure-free since equaling Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova’s Grand Slam mark last year. Outwardly, Williams has exhibited a much calmer, more cerebral demeanor on court. And this approach paid dividends in the season’s first major in Melbourne.

However, that outward stance has in no way diminished her intense play on the court, particularly when adversity has presented itself or the state of her game has been challenged. Just prior to the Australian Open, Williams had not played well and was thought by many to lack the game needed to win another major title at that point. The 33-year old proceeded to put together a strong fortnight in Melbourne, ultimately defeating world No. 2 Maria Sharapova in the final.

At this point in her career, after earning uncanny success, perhaps Williams needs and thrives off strong self-made goals that stem from adverse situations or unique challenges. Given her history, a return to Indian Wells after a long absence would certainly be categorized as one of those challenges and could serve as strong motivation to win the “Fifth Major.” How she adapts to emotions that might surface in the coming week could be a key to achieving the BNP Paribas Open title.

Meanwhile, the potential heiress apparent to Williams as top American will look to build upon her breakthrough performance at the Australian Open. Under the tutelage of her coach Lindsay Davenport, Madison Keys put it all together in Melbourne. Her performance during the two weeks was impressive as she advanced to the semifinals. Blessed with the physical attributes to become one of the game’s best, the likeable Keys showed flashes of brilliance there.

Now 20 years old, confident, and clearly gifted with the tools to be a champion, Keys will use Indian Wells as a litmus test for building the consistency that is needed to become a top player. Many have hinted that a reasonable goal for the young American would be to finish inside the world top 10 by season’s end. She will have an opportunity to continue her quest for that goal in the coming week at Indian Wells, against the best in the world.

After success in Australia, the continued Keys-Davenport partnership is highly anticipated at Indian Wells. With similarities between their styles of play, it is a natural player-coach relationship. Davenport’s past triumphs with a game that resembles Keys must certainly be an inspiration for a player yearning to improve. Their growth together and the Hall-of-Famer’s impact on Keys’ game will be notable in their second top-level tournament together.

On paper, Keys appears to have received a favorable draw in the California tournament. She received a bye to the second round, is in the opposite bracket from Williams, and could only face second-seeded Sharapova in the semifinals. Jelena Jankovic and Caroline Wozniacki would likely be the stiffest tests standing in her way to a quarterfinal. While these are clearly two strong obstacles, Keys has the power to match up well with both. She has never played Wozniacki but easily won her last match against the Serb.

With the spotlight on both spring tournaments in the United States, the play of the top and most notable up-and-coming American will be at a premium. Both will look to duplicate success found in Australia, starting in the coming week at Indian Wells. Before the focus turns towards the clay season, a strong showing now could set the table for the coming year for both.