In 2025, Madison Keys has emerged as a standout performer on the women26rsquo;s tennis circuit. Having participated in only four tournaments this year, she has already accumulated 2,944 ranking points, which is more than any other season in her last five years. A victory at the Miami Open could propel her past her 2018 record of 2,976 points, making this a pivotal moment for the American tennis star.
Keys is set to face Elina Avanesyan of Armenia in her opening match at the Miami Open. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable, especially considering both players have yet to meet on the court, resulting in a clean head-to-head slate of 0-0. Coming off a disappointing defeat at Indian Wells, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals with a demoralizing score of 6-0, 6-1, the pressure is on Keys to bounce back and begin her Miami campaign strong.
This season has already been fruitful for Keys, who boasts two title wins, including her first at the Adelaide tournament, and a career-defining triumph against the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, during the Australian Open final. Reflecting on her recent loss at Indian Wells, she shared, "For me, the loss last week just felt very frustrating." Despite that setback, Keys remains focused and eager to reclaim her momentum.
On the other side of the net, Avanesyan enters the tournament with her own positive momentum. She has reached the semi-finals in both Hobart and Merida this year, but her journey at Indian Wells ended prematurely. Nonetheless, she started off strong in Miami, defeating Russia's Erika Andreeva with a scoreline of 6-1, 6(4)-7, 6-4 in the first round.
Keys, who currently sits at fifth in the WTA rankings and holds an impressive 18-2 win-loss record, is heavily favored to win against the less experienced Avanesyan, who is ranked 36th with an 11-8 record. Given Keys' history of success at the Miami Open—reaching the quarterfinals in 2016—her performance in front of a supportive home crowd adds to her competitive edge.
The playing styles of the two athletes present an interesting contrast. Avanesyan is known for her counterpunching abilities and superb footwork, thriving in longer rallies. However, her game may falter against more aggressive players, as she struggles to overpower opponents. Particularly concerning this season is her high tally of double faults—47, compared to just 17 aces—revealing a vulnerability in her serving game.
In contrast, Madison Keys showcases an aggressive playing style characterized by her powerful forehand and strong serves. Her ability to dominate rallies from the baseline and deliver big first serves align perfectly with the fast Miami surface, positioning her as a formidable contender for both this match and the tournament itself.
As the match day approaches, the question remains: can Madison Keys shake off the disappointment of Indian Wells and channel her energy into a victorious start in Miami? With all signs pointing to her potential success, many experts are predicting a straight-set victory for Keys. She is not only favored to triumph over Avanesyan but also very much in contention for the Miami Open title.
Regardless of the outcome of this match, Madison Keys' outstanding performance this season has already established her as a force to be reckoned with in women26rsquo;s tennis. The excitement leading into the Miami Open underscores her skill and determination, and with every match, she continues to build on her impressive legacy.
