WTA US Open Friday Preview: Is Madison Keys In Trouble Against Sofia Kenin?

WTA US Open Friday Preview: Is Madison Keys In Trouble Against Sofia Kenin? article feature image
Credit:

Danielle Parhizkaran, USA Today Sports. Pictured: Madison Keys

Sofia Kenin vs. Madison Keys Betting Odds

  • Madison Keys odds: -175
  • Sofia Kenin odds: +150
  • Game spread: Keys -3.5 games
  • Over/Under: 21.5
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET

Two of the top talents in American tennis who have not gotten a lot of publicity square off in a feature match on Ashe tonight. Keys is the ball bashing, big hitter. Kenin is the counterattacking, mentally strong opponent. This match should be very entertaining.

They have met twice this year splitting both competitive meetings. Kenin won on clay back in May while Keys won two weeks ago on the quick hard courts of Cincinnati as a -125 favorite. Both players play well on hard courts.

I do not think there is a discernible advantage on the slower and bouncy Ashe court compared to the advantage Keys had on the quick Cinci courts.

The slower courts should allow Kenin to get to more balls and force Keys to spray. The fact the line has gone up from -125 to -170 and Kenin is getting the benefit on playing on slower courts is a bit perplexing.

Keys has made relatively easy work of her first two opponents, but she takes a big step up in class here. Kenin was solid versus Coco Vandeweghe and Laura Siegemund but now she meets arguably the most powerful player on Tour.

I think this is a very even match up. The +150 price on Kenin is simply too high for two equal players meeting on a slower hard court. Keys will have her moments of hitting multiple winners and looking unstoppable. But against quality competition it is very difficult to keep that level for 2-3 set

She recovers from poor points and does not let errors, or her opponent get to her. While she was a teenager, she was very erratic emotionally. She has reigned that in in 2019.

I think her emotional edge and ability to be consistent and defensive will frustrate Keys. At +150 Kenin is too big an underdog to pass up. I would play her down to +120.

How would you rate this article?

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.