Dubai Tennis Championships 2023: Caroline Garcia vs Madison Keys preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (4) Caroline Garcia vs Madison Keys.
Date: February 21, 2023.
Tournament: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2023.
Round: Second round (Round of 32).
Venue: Aviation Club Tennis Center, Dubai, UAE.
Category: WTA 1000.
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt.
Prize money: $2,788,468.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Caroline Garcia vs Madison Keys preview
Caroline Garcia and Madison Keys are set to square off in the second round of the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday.
Garcia commenced the new season by participating in the United Cup. Although she won both of her group ties, it wasn't enough to help France move past the round-robin stage.
The 29-year old then competed in the Adelaide International 2 and lost to Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals. The World No. 5 made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open, where she was stunned by Magda Linette.
Garcia reached her first final of the season at the Lyon Open, but was defeated by rising young star Alycia Parks. At last week's Qatar Open, she was knocked out by Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Keys remained unbeaten in the United Cup and was instrumental in helping the US clinch the title. However, her winning ways came to an end at the Australian Open, where Victoria Azarenka ousted her in the third round.
The American lost in the first round of the Qatar Open last week. Keys began her campaign in Dubai against Jasmine Paolini. She proved to be too good for her opponent, handing the Italian a 6-1, 6-1 beatdown in an hour.
Caroline Garcia vs Madison Keys head-to-head
Keys leads Garcia 3-1 in the head-to-head. She won their previous encounter at the 2022 French Open in straight sets.
Caroline Garcia vs Madison Keys odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Caroline Garcia vs Madison Keys prediction
Keys is off to a good start in Dubai, moving past Paolini with ease in the first round. The American's ball-striking simply overwhelmed her opponent as the match went on. Her backhand worked quite well and she didn't miss a beat with her forehand either.
Meanwhile, Garcia's stubborn refusal to change her position during return games has proved to be her downfall during her losses this season. Against a strong server like Keys, tactical adjustments are a necessity.
Keys has a winning record against Garcia, but the latter has performed much better than her so far this year. The World No. 5 is evenly matched with the American in almost every aspect of the game.
Keys loves playing against Garcia and despite the American's up-and-down season, it's hard to count her out. However, based on how they've performed so far, the Frenchwoman's consistency makes her the favorite to come out on top in this match.
Pick: Caroline Garcia to win in three sets.