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Keys survives early scare in title defence
Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, battled past nerves and an unfamiliar opponent to secure a hard-fought victory in her first match since last year's triumph.
A rocky opening
The 30-year-old American, seeded ninth, stumbled out of the gates on Tuesday, dropping the first four games to Grand Slam debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova. Keys later admitted she struggled to study her opponent's game, as Oliynykova's defensive style clashed with her own aggressive baseline play.
Despite the slow start-including three double faults in her opening service game-Keys regrouped to force a tie-break, clawing back from 5-2 down to take the first set 7-6 (8-6). She then dominated the second set 6-1 in just 28 minutes.
Reflecting on the pressure
Keys, who hasn't won a title since her 2025 Australian Open breakthrough, described the weight of expectation as overwhelming.
"I've been thinking about this moment for basically a year. The second they say, 'Ready, play,' it all hits you in a way I don't think you can ever explain. As nerve-racking as it is, I remind myself how few people get to be here."
Madison Keys
She added that early jitters left her second-guessing her instincts, forcing her to react rather than execute her game plan.
Oliynykova's breakthrough moment
For 25-year-old Oliynykova, ranked 92nd, the match was a milestone. The Ukrainian, who had tiny flowers painted on her face, faced a top-50 player for the first time and nearly pulled off a stunning upset.
Born in Kyiv, Oliynykova dedicated her performance to her father, who serves in Ukraine's military. "I know it was his dream to see me on this court," she said. "I'll do everything to make him even prouder."
Oliynykova, who has trained in Ukraine throughout the war, shared the harsh realities of life in her homeland. "There was an explosion near my home just before I flew to Australia," she revealed. "A drone hit a house across the street. My apartment shook from the blast."
What's next
Keys will face compatriot Ashlyn Krueger in the second round as she continues her quest to defend her title. The Australian Open runs until February 1, with live coverage available on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport and the BBC Sport website.
