Summary
Madison Keys began her title defense at the Australian Open, winning her first match against Oleksandra Oliynykova after a slow start. Keys lost the first four games but recovered to win the match 7-6, 6-1. Oliynykova, ranked 92nd in the world, put up a strong fight and was motivated by her father, who is serving in the Ukrainian military.
Key Facts
- Madison Keys is defending her Australian Open title after winning her first Grand Slam there last year.
- Keys initially struggled, losing the first four games to Oleksandra Oliynykova.
- Keys rallied from a 4-0 deficit to win the match 7-6 (8-6), 6-1.
- This was Keys' 50th Grand Slam tournament.
- Oleksandra Oliynykova is ranked 92nd in the world and faced a top-50 player for the first time.
- Oliynykova's father serves in the Ukrainian military, and her training continues despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Keys will face American Ashlyn Krueger in the second round.
