Shuai Zhang vs Madison Keys Prediction & Betting Tips - Stanford, USA

Prediction published on 04/08/2021, 08:31  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 04/08/2021 at 09:32 in Tennis Predictions

Madison Keys is the third seed for the Siicon Valley Open. The American faces unseeded Zhang Shuai in the second round after having received a first round bye. The winner of this match faces either Alison Riske (seeded ninth) or Ana Konjuh. It's not been the best of years for Keys but the world number 26 didn't start playing tournaments untll March. In Grand Slams this year, Keys has reached the last 32 at Roland Garros and then the last 16 at Wimbledon, where Elise Mertens (top seed in this event) was beaten. Big wins in 2021 have come against Belinda Bencic and Aryna Sabalenka.

Zhang Shuai has had success in the past against Keys. Of six previous meetings, the Chinese player has won four, including the last three. However, the last win was at Roland Garros last year on clay. That's the only match the pair have had in the past five year.  Zhang Shuai is ranked 51st, that's 28 places below her best of 23rd in 2016. She beat Emma Radcanu in the first round to clinch this match with Keys. The Chinese player also hasn't had the best of years. Her first seven matches of 2021 were all lost. Her best performance this year was on grass at Nottingham where she reached the final. A semi-final on clay in Palermo is her only real highlight of the year. They were in lower level ATP tournaments. Go for Keys to win this match.