WTA Charleston: Barty, Kenin, Muguruza want to prevent Keys from defending their title
At the traditional WTA Tour 500 tournament in Charleston, there is a rendezvous for the world's elite. Right in the middle: Defending champion Madison Keys .
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Apr 06, 2021, 11:25 am
If it goes according to the results of the still young 2021 season (strictly speaking according to those from 2020), then Madison Keys is by no means the favorite in the WTA Tour 500 tournament in Charleston. The US-American won only two of five matches, and was also tested positive for COVID-19 before the Australian Open ("Fortunately, I only had a runny nose.").
On the other hand: Keys won the latest edition of the tournament on green ashes in 2019, then took the title in Cincinnati. Ashleigh Barty recently demonstrated in Miami how much past successes can inspire players. Which leads the tableau in Charleston in front of Sofia Kenin , Petra Kvitova and Belinda Bencic . Kiki Bertens had to withdraw at short notice. Garbine Muguruza is also at the start. The Spaniard is in top form this year - and still has “only” won one tournament, the one in Dubai.
Defending champion Keys is ranked eighth in Charleston, which at least earned her a bye in round one. Then it could go against the Chinese Xinyu wang. Or against girlfriend Sloane Stephens, with whom Keys also matched in Charleston in 2019. Successful for the first time. Before that, Stephens had won all games against Keys, including the 2017 US Open final and the 2018 Roland Garros semifinals.