Madison Keys might be a Grand Slam champion by now, but she quickly came to the realization, a week ago, that every match is a new experience. After thrashing Aryna Sabalenka in the final down under, in January, she soon got a thrashing from the World No.1 in Indian Wells’ semifinal. The three-time Slam queen ousted Keys with a bagel and a breadstick. But now’s no time to mourn over the setbacks. The World No.5 will look to make another deep run, similar to Melbourne, this season when she enters the third round of Miami Open on Sunday. She will be up against Philippines’ 19-year-old Alexandra Eala who’s coming off a huge top 30 win in her last match.
Madison Keys v Alexandra Eala: Preview
Madison Keys has been in a red hot form in 2025. She started her season with a decent run in the ASB Classic, making it to the QF round before losing against Clara Tauson. Next up, she won her maiden WTA trophy of the year after outplaying compatriot Jessica Pegula in the final of Adelaide International. And later, as we know it, Keys ended up accomplishing her Slam dream after conquering Sabalenka in the title clash at the Rod Laver Arena.
Due to a leg injury last month, Keys had to miss out on the Middle East swing. On comeback, in the Indian Wells, she was looking in great touch until she found formidable rival, Sabalenka, once again. The latter was hungry for revenge for her heartbreaking AO loss. And she made it happen, too, crushing Keys.
Speaking of the opponent, Alexandra Eala hasn’t had an extremely impressive season. But it’s not been a poor one too. She started 2025 with a decent run in Canberra International, back in January. Eala made it to the SF round before losing to China’s Sijia Wei. Unfortunately, she couldn’t qualify for the Australian Open.
Miami Open happens to be her second main WTA event of the season where she’s proving her potential. How? The teenager began her campaign in Florida with a straight-set win over America’s Katie Volynets on Wednesday. And then on Friday, the World No.140 pulled off an upset, edging out World No.25 Jelena Ostapenko. It was the biggest win of her career.
Keys v Eala: Head-to-Head
The R32 encounter on Sunday will mark the first time these two players will go against each other. As of now, the h2h tally stands at 0-0.
Prediction: Madison Keys to win in straight sets
Madison Keys’ stats in 2025 are surely giving her a clear edge. The American has won 18 of her 20 WTA encounters so far. On the other hand, Eala’s singles record stands at 10-7.
Sadly, Keys’ history at the Miami Open isn’t motivating enough. Her best run in the event involves reaching the fourth round on two occasions, out of her 13 overall appearances. Also, the World No.5 is yet to win her first WTA 1000 title since 2019’s Cincinnati Masters. Of course, she will be eager to end the drought in the latest campaign itself.
When it comes to Eala, she’s already accomplished her best run in a WTA 1000 tournament in Miami. Previously, her best campaign came in last season’s Madrid Open, where she made it to the second round.
Now coming onto playing styles, Keys is known for her aggressive performance on the court, possessing strong forehands and serves. Not to mention her ability to dominate from the baseline. Interestingly, Eala’s style is no different. She’s got a solid forehand apart from having a controlled baseline performance.
While Eala has shown she is capable of upsets, especially with her recent wins in the miami open, Keys overall skill and consistency gives her the edge in this matchup. The American is expected to win in straight sets and advance into the fourth round in Florida.
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