After winning her maiden slam title at Melbourne Park earlier this season, Madison Keys’ form has taken a dip. The last few events haven’t gone as planned, as she has witnessed early exits. But the American star is looking to leave it all behind and make a deep run at the ongoing Madrid Open. Putting her Charleston setback aside, Keys began her campaign in Madrid, beating Lucia Bronzetti in R64. But the road ahead is tough now as she’s set for a rematch with the same opponent who ousted her in Charleston three weeks ago, Anna Kalinskaya.

Madison Keys v Anna Kalinskaya: Preview

Madison Keys began the year with a blast in Melbourne, winning her maiden Grand Slam title. In the final at the Rod Laver Arena, she outperformed World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. The 30-year-old then went on a break due to a leg injury and missed out on the Middle East swing. But when she came back, the American put on a promising performance in the Indian Wells Masters. She managed to enter the QF round before Sabalenka avenged her AO final defeat, beating Keys with a brutal scoreline of 6-0, 6-1.

Keys’ next two events turned out to be forgettable at best. At the Miami Open, Philippines’ 19-year-old sensation Alexandra Eala ousted her in the R16 with a score line of 6-4, 6-2. Then in her last event in Charleston, Russian pro Anna Kalinskaya edged her out, in R16, with a score line of 6-2, 6-4. However, having made a great start in Madrid now, the AO champion will be looking to go all the way.

Speaking of her opponent Anna Kalinskaya, well, her 2025 season has been lackluster so far. Back in January, she was ousted in R32 of the Brisbane International. The scenario in Adelaide wasn’t much different where she was forced to retire midway against Belinda Bencic in R32, due to an injury.

After recovering, Kalinskaya entered the Singapore Open, where she had a good campaign, where she managed to reach the semifinal but was forced to retire, again, due to a recurring injury. In the next four events, Kalinskaya had a poor run. At the Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open, she crashed out in R64, R64, R128, and R32, respectively.

However, she managed to bounce back with an impressive run in the next tournament in Charleston. The World No.29 reached the QF stage before losing to American Sofia Kenin. Here in Madrid, Kalinskaya has begun her campaign with a straight-set win over France’s Diane Parry on Thursday.

Keys v Kalinskaya: Head-to-Head

Madison Keys and Anna Kalinskaya have met twice across WTA events so far. Currently, the h2h tally stands at 1-1. When they played each other last time, it was at the Charleston Open this season. Kalinskaya emerged victorious in that encounter.

• 2025 Charleston Open R16: Kalinskaya 6-2, 6-4
• 2022 French Open R128: 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

Prediction: Madison Keys to win in straight sets

Madison Keys has a stellar singles record in 2025, having won 21 of her 25 matches so far. It translates to an impressive win percentage of 84, compared to Anna Kalinskaya (7-8). Speaking of the history of these two players in the Madrid Open, Keys’ last three appearances (2021, 2022, and 2024) in Madrid have been a mixed bag. After facing back-to-back R64 exits, she had her best run in the WTA 1000 tournament last season, where she reached the semis before losing to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. On the other hand, Kalinskaya’s last two appearances (2023 and 2024) saw her making early R32 and R64 exits. She’s yet to impress in Madrid.

As far as their playing styles are concerned, Keys is known for her aggressive, powerful stroke-making approach. Combine that with her ability to dominate from the baseline as well. Her first serves are often effective in earning crucial points. When it comes to Kalinskaya, she also prefers to play aggressively from the baseline. The Russian likes to utilize her powerful forehand to build pressure on her opponents. Her quick footwork across the turf is also one of her strengths.

Considering the overall form of these two players this season, Keys seems to have an edge. The prediction is for the American WTA pro to win the match in straight sets and advance.