Keys made no mistakes in her first round matchup with Nao Hibino as the World No. 18 won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
The 22-year-old American put just 48 percent of her first serves in play, but won 74 percent of first serve points and 56 percent of second serve points. Meanwhile, her return game was dominant as she won 52 percent of those points and converted 5-of-8 break points.
That win should be a big morale-booster for Keys, who is still working her way back to full strength after undergoing wrist surgery. Keys is just 5-6 thus far this season.
However, she loves grass—she’s now 26-7 over the last five years on the surface after her first-round win—and is 12-4 in her career in at Wimbledon. The World No. 18 also beat Giorgi in their lone meeting on tour last year.
Giorgi pulled off an upset over World No. 41 Alize Cornet in the first round. The Italian dropped the first set, but rallied in order to score the 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 win. It was an error-filled performance for Giorgi, who committed 47 unforced errors and nine double faults. But she was able to clean up her game just enough during the latter two rounds.
Among the four Grand Slams, Giorgi has found the most success at Wimbledon. She’s now gotten past the first round at the All-England Club in five of the last six years.
That proficiency on grass will be a big reason why the World No. 86 should not be underestimated, even against a formidable opponent in Keys. Giorgi owns wins over two top-10 opponents this season, including one against World No. 5 Elina Svitolina to reach the quarterfinals at Birmingham.
Writer’s Prediction
Keys (-180) continues her resurgence with a straight-sets win over Giorgi.
