Aryna Sabalenka ‘The Tiger’ has displayed impeccable form lately. In a bid to further her agenda and, with it, decorate her resume, the Belarusian superstar has inched one step closer to the China Open title. But, an adversary stands in her way. To put her skills to the test once again, Sabalenka will lock horns with Madison Keys in the event’s third round on Wednesday, October 2.

Madison Keys vs Aryna Sabalenka: Preview

Keys has impressively continued to dictate her contests all week in Beijing. The American sensation toppled Beatriz Haddad Maia on her way to third-round. The former World No. 7 was off to a slow start, however, quick thinking on her feet and waking up from her slumber ultimately helped her prevail over the Brazilian player in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.

Meanwhile, Sabalenka extended her unbeaten match run to 14 matches at the WTA 1000 Masters event. Naturally, she wasn’t to be denied during her second-round encounter with Ashlyn Krueger. The World No. 1 was quick to wrap the contest as she made short of her American rival, concluding the showdown with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-2.

Keys vs Sabalenka: Head-to-Head

Both players will mark their fifth overall meet on the WTA Tour. The duo previously clashed in the semifinal of the 2023 US Open, wherein the Belarusian thwarted her challenge after a thriller three-set showdown. As a result, Sabalenka enjoys a 3-1 lead in their head-to-head record.

• 2023 US Open, SF: Sabalenka 0-6, 7-6, 7-6
• 2023 Wimbledon, QF: Sabalenka 6-2, 6-4
• 2021 Betti Open, R2: Keys 6-4, 1-6, 7-5
• 2018 Cincinnati Masters, QF: Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4

Prediction: Sabalenka to win in straight sets

Belarusian superstar Aryna Sabalenka commenced her winning streak with her triumph at the Cincinnati Masters. Despite facing formidable challenges on the Tour, the World No. 1 has been pushed to three sets only once during this period. The 26-year-old also clinched her second Grand Slam title for the season at the US Open. Furthermore, Sabalenka flaunted her athletic prowess in New York after scripting a jaw-dropping forehand speed record, finessing Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.

With a set of powerful groundstrokes, the Belarusian dominates from a commanding position – embedding her position as an aggressive baseliner. Sabalenka looks to finish points quickly by giving her opponents a full-fledged tour of the court, deeming it extremely hard for them to navigate through her diverse shot-making skills. In her previous contest, the 26-year-old  mustered 72% wins on her first serve, but,  her second serve lowkey needs improvement… with merely 45% of wins registered with it.

Keys, on the other hand, was far from her best during the Northern America hardcourt swing. The American star has enjoyed modest success this season, reaching the semifinals of the Madrid Open and lifting the Strasbourg Open title. With the narrative slightly changed, Keys looks in good shape in Beijing. Moreover, her game style matches that of Sabalenka, with a set of powerful groundstrokes aiding.

Showcasing an impressive game style when riding on her best form, competitors have a tough time absorbing the pace of the American player’s high-octane shots. However, her service needs better execution. Notably, her last encounter witnessed her produce merely 60% of wins on her first serve and 50% on the second.

Overall, it is safe to say that Sabalenka enjoys an upper hand in their upcoming showdown. The Belarusian has a 39-9 record in China, compared to Keys’ 20-15 record. With recent victories fueling her confidence, the third round of the China Open should see Sabalenka advance.