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2015 Australian Open semi-finalist Madison Keys will look to continue her good form tonight when she faces former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:00pm AEDT.
At just 20 years of age, one could argue that Keys already possesses the biggest game on the WTA tour.
Keys’ serve, forehand and backhand are all major weapons, and if she is able to find her range, Ivanovic stands little chance of making an impression today.
The only concern with Keys at this stage of her career surrounds her fitness and high unforced error count. The American’s groundstrokes can let her down when she is placed under pressure and she is also susceptible to an injury or two, having pulled out of a tour quarter final at Strasbourg because of an elbow injury last year.
At her best, Keys should be favoured to overpower most players on the WTA tour. Only fellow American Serena Williams can stand toe to toe against Keys and win a match based on shot-making prowess, as evidenced by her victory in the Australian Open semi-finals last year.
With this in mind, the equation is simple for Keys. If she serves well and puts pressure on the weak Ivanovic serve, the American should be favoured to progress in straight sets.
Ivanovic is a good competitor and covers the court well, but she lacks the firepower to compete with Keys here, particularly if the American finds form early.
While the Serb has won their only meeting thus far, that was back in 2014 when Keys was still maturing as a player.
Even now, Keys is still growing but the potential she possesses is extremely promising even at 20.
While questions still linger on her fitness and intensity, Keys at her best should progress to the fourth round.
Prediction: Keys in straight sets.
Join The Roar for live scores from 7:00pm AEDT