Keys Shakes Off Nerves to Start Australian Open Defence

Madison Keys overcame a nervous start to begin her Australian Open title defence with a 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 win over debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova in Melbourne.

The ninth seed dropped her opening service game and fell 4-0 behind as she struggled to settle against an unfamiliar opponent, later admitting she found little footage to study Oliynykova’s game.

Keys eventually steadied, rallied to force a tie-break and recovered from 5-2 down to take the first set.

From there, the defending champion found her rhythm, racing through the second set in just 28 minutes to seal victory.

It sets up a second-round clash with fellow American Ashlyn Krueger.

Oliynykova, ranked 92nd and playing her first Grand Slam, impressed on the big stage.

The Ukrainian described the match as the best experience of her career, drawing motivation from her father, who is serving in the military back home.

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