Madison Keys vs Beatriz Haddad Maia Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA China Open

Prediction published on 29/09/2024, 06:00  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 29/09/2024 at 06:03 in Tennis Predictions

Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 13th seed in Beijing, faces 18th seed Madison Keys in the third round at this year’s China Open. Here’s our preview and prediction for the Monday match.

Their second meeting this season will see the winner take on Aryna Sabalenka or Ashlyn Krueger next. Keys defeated Maia on clay in Rome earlier this season to tie this series at 1-1.

She will now seek to take the lead and also progress past this round for the first time since 2016. Keys, who has ended a five-year absence from Beijing, was a semi-finalist here eight years ago.

To mark her return, the American saw off qualifier Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. The win was also her first appearance since a third-round exit at the US Open.

Keys has compiled a 23-10 record, winning a title in Strasbourg and reaching the semi-finals in Madrid and Eastbourne. She has moved back into the WTA top 20 and is now placed 19th in the live ranking.

Beatriz Haddad Maia has been in spectacular form in the second half of the year. She will arrive for this match confident of a second win in this fixture.

The Brazilian, who defeated Keys last year in Zhuhai, has won 13 of her last 15 matches. This run has produced a title in Seoul, a runner-up finish in Cleveland and a quarter-final appearance at Flushing Meadows.

Maia, who arrived in Beijing after her Seoul success, defeated Wei Sijia in straight sets in the second round. The WTA world number 12 has now won five successive matches.