[Tennis- WTA Rome] 11.5/ 12:00 S.Stephens- M.Keys
This will be Keys' third clay tournament this year after two 1st round exits; one of which, Stephens beat her 6-4 6-4 at Charleston a month ago. Stephens has a rather accomplished clay court resume: 2019 Roland Garros quarterfinalist, 2019 Madrid semifinalist, 2018 Roland Garros finalist, 2016 Charleston Champion. These two are best friends, so there is a slight awkwardness and nervousness when playing. This seemed to weigh more on Keys as evident from the 2017 US Open finals where she crumbled 3-6 0-6 due to nerves and low confidence. I do not think she is over this loss. Lately, her 2021 progress has not been stellar at 2-5 after not being able to compete at the Australian Open because of catching COVID. Afterwards, she had losing in straight sets in early rounds to players she has beaten in the past or heavily favorited at Qatar, Dubai, and Miami. She is a rhythm power baseliner that can win easy points on serve; however, her confidence drops when her power game does not succeed early. Stephens' counterpunching, patience, and variety heavily counters Keys' game especially on clay where points are based more on construction rather than power. Keys' big serving weapon will be neutralized on this surface, thus challenging her patience to win points early, which may not work most of the time on clay.
1 @1,70 Bet365
6:4 2:6 5:7
[Tennis- WTA Rome] 11.5/ 12:00 S.Stephens- M.Keys
1 @1,70
