The quarterfinal of the Madrid Open is just a step away as players enter the round of 16. Coco Gauff and Madison Keys will trade blows on clay, aiming to get a better grasp on the clay swing. Gauff began the season with a bang and has shown some fantastic performance on hard courts tournaments. However, she found herself with an early exit in a clay clash.

On the other hand, Madison Keys began her season in the Indian Wells Masters and has yet to produce convincing results. Her form in the Madrid Open has shown some promise, but the challenge against Gauff will be difficult.

Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys: Preview

Gauff is currently laying waste in the Madrid Open. She beat Arantxa Rus 6-0, 6-0 and then Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-1. She won 77% of the points on first serves against Rus and 82% of the points on first serve against Yastremska. Despite an amazing serve, she hit 11 double faults in total. She took 6 break points from both opponents and only gave 3 to Yastremska. Gauff is serving up a storm and keeping good control under pressure.

Keys faced Irina-Camelia Begu and Lidumila Samsonova. She won 7-6, 7-6 against Begu, winning 67% of points on first serves, but gave away 40 points on serve while winning 35 receiving points. Against Samsonova, she won 6-2, 6-3, winning 78% points on first serves, even winning 5 games in a row. She hit 10 aces in Madrid and won 7 out of 15 break points while only giving away 3. However, she gave 17 chances to her opponents to break her serve, which showed some trouble in gaining the upper hand from the start.

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Gauff vs Keys: Head-to-Head

Gauff and Keys have played against each other four times on the WTA Tour. They are tied 2-2, with their first match being held in the 2022 Adelaide International. 

• 2022 Adelaide International semifinal: Keys 3-6, 6-2, 7-6
• 2022 US Open round of 32: Gauff 6-2, 6-3
• 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinal: Gauff 6-2, 7-5 
• 2023 Eastbourne International semifinal: Keys 6-3, 6-3

The two have not faced each other on clay so far. Their matches have been played on the hardcourt and grass, which means the two will now have to rely on patience. 

Prediction: Gauff to win and move on to the quarterfinal

Keys has shown good control over her tennis skills in the last week. However, against the clay specialist Gauff, Keys is bound to struggle heavily. The younger American player is winning a majority of her points on first serves and not letting her opponents gain the upper hand. Keys has trouble getting the advantage initially, and Gauff will not give her the chance to take points near the end.

Keys can capitalize by taking advantage of Gauff’s forehand. However, the US Open champion has shown major improvements, which means she holds the upper hand against her senior. Both players have shown good control when it comes to saving break points, which means they are tied in mentality. Gauff’s serve can get the advantage against Keys, who will need to bring her best form forth to enter the quarterfinal.