For Madison Keys to rise up to tennis superstardom, she’ll need to win her first Grand Slam title. She’s on to her second consecutive appearance in the third round of the French Open. She’ll meet another young up-and-comer Monica Puig, who is after her own shot at glory.
It’s going to be one hell of a match between two of the WTA’s brightest young stars. Read on as we take a look at everything you need to know heading into the match. For more on the Women’s Singles draw of the French Open, check out our complete previews for Serena Williams vs. Kristina Mladenovic and Petra Kvitova vs. Shelby Rogers.
Madison Keys has been dominant at this year’s Roland Garros. She’s coming of straight sets victories over Donna Vekic and Mariana Duque-Marino. She’s going to be very fresh heading into the third round, allowing her to continue her offensive baseline style. She’ll have the necessary energy to take control of rallies with powerful forehand and backhand groundstrokes.
Keys also has a very strong serve. While it will carry less power on the slower surface on clay, she still has the excellent volley skills to become competitive. She beat Puig using her service game in their latest meeting at the 2014 Wimbledon. She hit 86 percent of her first serve points with seven aces. She also won 41 percent of her return points.
The American should have a more manageable time with Puig’s serves this time around. They’re playing on the slower surface of clay. Keys is hitting the ball well in Roland Garros, committing just 36 unforced errors in her first two matches combined. Considering she keeps up this style of play, she should make a strong case of making the fourth round.
Keys has won seven of her last eight matches on clay.
Betting on Monica Puig
Monica Puig is coming off a taxing three-set victory (7-5, 6-7(4), 7-5) over Julia Goerges, needing 37 games to sort it all out. Puig was dominant when on serve. She won 78 percent of her first serve points, while keeping her unforced errors down. But she’s been vulnerable on the receiving end, especially against Goerges who isn’t even a big server.
Puig faces a tough challenge ahead against Keys’ powerful serve. But she will be confident considering she’s 2-0 against the American on clay. She bested Keys 6-4, 7-6 in the second round of the 2013 Roland Garros. She won 68 percent of her first serve points. She also did a swell job on the receiving end, winning 43 percent of her return points.
Puig also beat Keys in straight sets in 2014 at Strasbourg. Again, her return game was on point as she won 45 percent of her receiving points and 57 percent of her break point opportunities. She could hold an edge especially if Keys’ serve won’t be as dominant on clay.
Puig has won eight of her last 11 matches on clay.
Writer’s Prediction
Puig (+190) gets the better of Keys on Roland Garros’ clay.
