It has not been an ideal start to the year for Madison Keys. Earlier this season, she withdrew from the Australian Open owing to a shoulder injury. It was an untimely injury setback for her, at a time when she was at the peak of her career and aiming to make it big this year. Nonetheless, she is back to full fitness and is participating in the Miami Open.

Keys opens her campaign against 19-year-old Russian sensation, Diana Shnaider. The latter is riding high on confidence after overcoming the challenge of Venus Williams in the opening round of the tournament. Let’s find out how the odds stack up for the two.

Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider: Preview

The American star returned to action from injury at Indian Wells earlier this month. However, she didn’t have an ideal comeback as she lost tamely in the round of 32 against Yulia Putintseva in straight sets. The Miami Open is just the second tournament for Keys this season. As a result, she is still getting back into her groove, and remains to be seen how she performs there.

On the contrary, Keys’ second-round opponent, Shnaider is entering the match on the back of some confident performances earlier this year. At the Hua Hin Championships in February, she lifted the singles trophy. Further, in the first round of the Miami Open, the Russian sensation defeated Venus Williams in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Given the contrasting nature of their rankings and form, it promises to be an exciting battle between Keys and Shnaider.

Keys vs Shnaider: Head-to-Head

While Keys has been a regular presence on the WTA Tour, Shnaider is still in the early stages of her tennis career. As a result, the two haven’t faced off against each other yet and the second-round match in Miami will be their maiden meeting on the WTA Tour. Thus, fans can expect some surprises when the two go up against each other.

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Prediction: Keys to win a tough battle

Expect Shnaider to give a challenging match to Keys. However, Keys is an experienced professional and should hold her nerves to win the battle in three sets. Their match will take place later today.

Who are you backing to win this contest? Let us know your views in the comments below.