China Open 2024: Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo preview, head-to-head, odds, prediction and pick

Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo, China Open 2024 R2 (Picture: Getty)

Match Details

Fixture: (18) Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo

Date: September 27, 2024

Tournament: 2024 China Open

Round: Second Round (Round of 64)

Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China

Category: WTA 1000

Surface: Hardcourt

Prize Money: $8,955,610

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN

Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo preview

Tenth seed Madison Keys will open her 2024 China Open campaign against Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo in the second round on Friday, September 27. Her seeding meant that she received a bye in the first round.

Madison Keys has had an indifferent season by her lofty standards. She holds a 22-10 match record and has won one title this year in Strasbourg, where she defeated compatriot Danielle Collins in the final.

Keys had a decent first half of the season as compared to her second half where she has failed to recreate the same form. Her North American hardcourt swing was marred by injury and a first-round and third-round loss in Toronto and New York, respectively. She hasn't competed since her outing at Flushing Meadows.

Sorribes Tormo, meanwhile, holds a 15-22 match record for the season. Her best results so far include reaching the quarterfinals in Morocco and Monastir, Tunisia, just a couple of weeks ago. She has found more success on the doubles circuit, most notably winning the Madrid Open alongside compatriot Cristina Bucsa. The duo also won the women's doubles bronze medal at the Olympics.

Sorribes Tormo began her China Open campaign in the qualifiers, where she easily defeated Arianne Hartono and 23rd seed Zeynep Sonmez to secure her spot in the main draw. In her main draw opener, she faced a stiff challenge from home favorite Xinyu Gao but fought back from a set down to seal a 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-5 win.

Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo head-to-head

Sara Sorribes Tormo edges Madison Keys 1-0 in their head-to-head, winning their only previous encounter 7-5, 6-2 in Madrid back in 2018.

Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo odds

Player	Moneyline	Handicap Bets	Total Games
Madison Keys	-375	+1.5 (-1100)	Over 19.5 (-120)
Sara Sorribes Tormo	+275	-1.5 (+475)	Under 19.5 (-115)

(Odds sourced from BetMGM)

Madison Keys vs Sara Sorribes Tormo prediction

Sara Sorribes Tormo in action at the Jasmin Open (Picture: Getty)

Keys had a strong start to the season but has struggled to maintain that level since Wimbledon. Injuries and fatigue have significantly impacted her performance on the court. Consistency and a struggle to close out matches have also been a huge roadblock for Keys off late. An unhealthy number of unforced errors have also hindered her ability to secure more victories.

Sara Sorribes Tormo, meanwhile, breezed through her qualifiers in Beijing, dropping just six games across two matches. Her first-round encounter on the contrary was not as straightforward, as she was taken the distance. She displayed remarkable mental fortitude to come out on top from a set down. While her serve and backhand were below average, her net play bailed her out.

Keys enters this contest as the favorite, despite not having competed in nearly a month. Her superior hardcourt record and win percentage in singles this year should see her secure a straight-set victory over the Spaniard.

The slightly slower courts in Beijing are likely to benefit the American more, given her superior all-court attacking and defensive game. It could be a walk in the park for her if Sorribes Tormo does not make early inroads on the return and if she is able to constantly put pressure by attacking the net and finishing points fast.

Pick: Madison Keys to win in straight sets.

Edited by Eeshaan Tiwary