Following two entertaining, albeit straightforward, rounds of action, the third stage of the 2015 Australian Open will feature several enthralling match-ups, including the key contest (no pun intended) between Czech No.1 Petra Kvitova and rising American star Madison Keys. This is just the second time that these two competitors cross paths on the professional tour, with Kvitova leading the head-to-head series 1-0.

Watch the match here: Kvitova v Keys Live

Up against Mona Barthel in her second match in Melbourne, Petra Kvitova stormed to an early lead before snatching the opening set in 29 minutes. She followed up with another straightforward set to close out the match 6-2, 6-4 in 1 hour and 19 minutes. Kvitova struck 10 aces, 30 winners and won 75% of her first service points en route to victory.

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Her opponent, Madison Keys, needed three sets to advance to the third round, as she rallied back from a set down to defeat Casey Dellacqua 2-6, 6-1, 6-1, The American struck 35 winners, including 5 aces, and won 77% of her first service points to finish the match on a high note.

“She’s better player than she was when I played her in Tokyo,” Kvitova said about her opponent Keys. “It’s different surface, different condition for sure. I know she has a big serve. Is going to be really aggressive from her. That’s what I have to be there and stay. Maybe similar with Venus, you know, very similar game. So, yeah, I need to serve well and try to return her serve.”

Kvitova and Keys have only met once previously on the tour. Kvitova leads the head-to-head series 1-0 with a win two years ago in Tokyo. She will look to remain undefeated against the American, but it will be a much harder task this time around. Keys has looked fantastic since the start of the season and should be able to take her opponent to deep waters.

Prediction: Petra Kvitova in Three Sets