Madison Keys’ 2025 season is off to a remarkable start. Despite participating in only four tournaments, she has already accumulated more ranking points than in any of her previous five full seasons. Currently holding 2,944 race singles points, a victory at the Miami Open would propel her past her 2018 record of 2,976 points. Keys is set to compete against Elina Avanesyan of Armenia in her opening match. The question now is: can she rebound from her disappointing Indian Wells exit and secure a winning start in Miami?

Madison Keys vs Elina Avanesyan: Preview

Madison Keys has already won two titles this season. Her first title triumph came in Adelaide and after that, she clinched one of the biggest victories in her career against the number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in the final of the 2025 AO. However, the Belarusian managed to take her revenge on Keys by thrashing her by a 6-0,6-1 margin in the SF of the Indian Wells Open.

While reflecting on her thoughts on that match, Madison Keys said, “For me, the loss last week just felt very frustrating.” However, now she’s looking forward to overcoming that loss with a solid start at the Miami Open.

Her opponent in this match, Elina Avanesyan, has also been in good form this season. She reached the SFs in Hobart and Merida, but she made an early exit from the Indian Wells. In Miami, she has already secured a victory in Miami by defeating Russia’s Erika Andreeva by 6-1,6(4)-7,6-4 in the first round (R128).

Keys vs Avanesyan: Head-to-Head

Madison Keys has never faced Elina Avanesyan in her career. Hence, their head-to-head record is currently 0-0.

Prediction: Keys will defeat Avanesyan in straight sets 

Madison Keys (5) is in red-hot form this season. She has a win-loss record of 18-2 as of now, whereas, it’s just 11-8 for Elina Avanesyan (36). Keys had reached the QF of this tournament in 2016 and she has a higher chance of excelling on this surface in front of her home crowd than someone like Avanesyan. However, that’s not it!

Now, if we take a glimpse at their playing styles, Avanesyan is known as a strong counterpunch who thrives in long rallies, utilizing excellent footwork and defensive skills. However, she can be a bit vulnerable against aggressive, high-risk players, and she also lacks the power to hit through opponents easily. Another major concern for her has been her high number of double fault counts. She has hit 17 aces this season but committed 47 doubles faults as of now. 

Conversely, Madison Keys is known for her aggressive, power-based playing style, characterized by strong forehand and serves, and her ability to dominate at the baseline. She has a big first serve and even Keys loves dictating the rallies from the baseline. Her game suits this surface more than anyone else.

So, considering all these factors and her incredible form, I can say she’s not only a favorite in this match but also one of the leading candidates who has a real chance to lift the title in Miami.