The Australian Open 2025 is an event of complete turnarounds. With some key names exiting the tournament, many unpredictable names have shown great spark. One among them is Madison Keys. Days after winning her maiden title at the Adelaide International, she is going strong and now looks to conquer the Australian Open as well. However, standing her way in the quarter-finals will be tennis mom, Elina Svitolina. With the stage set for an epic encounter, who will come out on top?

Madison Keys vs Elina Svitolina: Preview

Madison Keys is off to a fantastic start this year, winning nine matches in a row. Her streak began at the Adelaide International, where she won the title by defeating Jessica Pegula in the final. She carried this great form into the Australian Open, starting with a strong first-round win against Ann Li, 6-4, 7-5. In the second round, Keys battled hard to defeat Elena Gabriela Ruse in three sets, 7-6 (1), 2-6, 7-5. She then faced 10th seed Danielle Collins in the third round and won 6-4, 6-4 with a solid performance.

The fourth round was a big test for Keys as she played sixth seed Elena Rybakina. Keys started well, taking the first set 6-3, but Rybakina bounced back to win the second set 6-1. In the final set, Keys took an early lead at 3-1, but her opponent fought back to make it 3-3. Keys stayed calm and played her best tennis to win three games in a row, finishing the match 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. Her strong and confident play has made her one of the players to watch as she moves further into the tournament.

On the other hand, Elina Svitolina started her Australian Open campaign without playing any warm-up events, but she’s shown great form. She began with a steady 6-4, 6-4 win over Sorana Cirstea. In the second round, Svitolina played even better, beating Caroline Dolehide 6-4, 6-1. Her consistent and clever play helped her move through the early rounds with ease.

The third round was a real challenge for Svitolina as she faced fourth seed Jasmine Paolini. After losing the first set 2-6, Svitolina stepped up her game, winning the second set 6-4 and dominating the third set 6-0. She carried this momentum into the fourth round, where she defeated Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1. Svitolina’s mix of smart defense and powerful shots has been key to her success, earning her a well-deserved spot in the quarterfinals.

Keys vs Svitolina: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head stats, Madison Keys has a clear edge over her opponent. Out of the 5 games that the two have played, the American has a slight 3-2 edge over her opponent. Their first encounter came back at the Connecticut Open in America. Svitolina was forced to retire after being 7-6, 4-2 down. On the other hand, their most recent meeting came at the 2022 Adelaide International which Keys won again in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.

Prediction: Madison Keys could land the win despite Svitolina’s tough fight

Elina Svitolina’s vast experience in Grand Slam tournaments is one of her biggest assets. Having reached 11 quarterfinals in major events, she knows how to handle the pressure of high-stakes matches. This pedigree gives her a significant edge in staying composed during crucial moments.

Another strength is her exceptional defensive game. Svitolina excels at retrieving tough shots and redirecting pace, which makes her a challenging opponent for powerful players like Madison Keys. Her ability to absorb and counter aggression could prove critical in this matchup. However, her lack of match play leading into the Australian Open might leave her slightly vulnerable. Without any warm-up events, Svitolina could find it harder to maintain her rhythm against an in-form opponent.

On the other hand, Madison Keys comes into this match with incredible momentum, riding a nine-match winning streak. Her aggressive style of play is her most dangerous weapon. With a powerful serve and forehand, Keys likes to take control of rallies and put her opponents under constant pressure. This approach has served her well in 2025, making her one of the most dangerous players on tour right now.

Additionally, Keys has the experience to perform in high-pressure matches, having reached two Australian Open semifinals in her career. While her high-risk game can sometimes lead to unforced errors, her current form suggests she’s striking the right balance between aggression and consistency. This confidence could give her a crucial edge in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter. The prediction is for Madison Keys to win in a three-setter.