Madison Keys Overcomes Early Nerves to Defeat Oleksandra Oliynykova at Australian Open 2026
The Australian Open kicked off in Melbourne with a thrilling first-round match between defending champion Madison Keys and Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova. Keys, who stunned the world last year by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set epic to claim her first major title, faced a daunting task as she looked to defend her crown. However, the American ninth seed started the match with a nervous performance, losing the first four games before finding her rhythm and securing a 7-6 (8), 6-1 victory.
A Nervy Start for Keys
Keys, who turned 29 last year, has had a mixed season leading up to the Australian Open. Despite her triumph at the Open, she struggled to maintain her momentum, winning no more titles in the remainder of the 2025 season. Her preparation for this year’s Open included quarter-final exits at Brisbane and Adelaide, which added to her pressure as the defending champion.
Before the match, Keys admitted to feeling the weight of her title defence. “I’ve been thinking about this moment for basically a year,” she said. “I’m so happy to be back in Melbourne. Obviously I was very nervous at the start.”
The First Set
The first set of the match was a seesaw affair, with Keys struggling to find her footing. Oliynykova, playing in an unconventional style, managed to take an early lead, winning the first four games to set the tone for the match. Keys, however, showed her resilience, fighting back to level the set at 4-4. The set went to a tiebreak, where Keys displayed her mental toughness, securing the set 7-6 (8).
The Second Set
The second set was a different story altogether. Keys found her rhythm early on, dominating Oliynykova with her powerful serves and aggressive play. Oliynykova, who had shown glimpses of brilliance in the first set, struggled to keep up with Keys’ relentless pace. The American sealed the set 6-1, completing a remarkable comeback from a shaky start.
Oliynykova’s Performance
Oleksandra Oliynykova, representing Ukraine, put up a commendable fight in her Australian Open debut. The 22-year-old showed flashes of her potential, particularly in the first set, where she managed to outplay the defending champion for the majority of the game. However, Keys’ experience and mental fortitude proved to be the deciding factors in the match.
Despite the loss, Oliynykova’s performance was a testament to her growing talent and potential in the world of tennis. Her unconventional playing style and aggressive tactics made for an exciting match, keeping the crowd engaged throughout.
Keys Looks Ahead
With the first-round win under her belt, Madison Keys is now focused on the challenges that lie ahead in her title defence. The American, who has been working on her game and mindset since her triumph last year, is determined to make a strong run at the Australian Open.
“I’m really happy with how I was able to fight through that first set,” Keys said after the match. “It’s just about staying calm and believing in myself. I know I have a lot of work to do, but I’m excited for the next round.”
What’s Next?
The Australian Open continues to be a stage for thrilling performances and unexpected outcomes. As the tournament progresses, tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if Madison Keys can repeat her success from last year. Meanwhile, Oleksandra Oliynykova’s debut performance has surely made a mark, setting the stage for what could be a promising career in professional tennis.
Stay tuned to Everything.com for all the latest updates and analysis from the Australian Open and the world of tennis.
