Tuesday’s Australian Open action featured a gripping first-round encounter where defending champion Madison Keys rallied from behind to beat Oleksandra Olhynykoiva 7-6(6), 6-1. The American top-10 player was tested by the Ukrainian wildcard’s bold tactics on the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Olhynykoiva, in her first Grand Slam and top-50 clash after a quiet period, seized a 4-0 first-set lead with inventive shot-making: slices that stayed low, high-kicking balls, and erratic paces. The set stretched to a tiebreak, where Keys battled back from the brink, saving two set points in a 72-minute marathon to level the score.
Keys unleashed her power game in the decider, overwhelming Olhynykoiva with ace-studded service holds and breaks. She dropped merely one game, winning 90% on first serves for a commanding finish. Post-match, Keys was effusive: ‘My opponent played brilliantly, starting strong and varying everything. It wasn’t standard fare – she made me work hard across the net. I stepped back, trusted myself, and fired my shots.’
This resilient performance books Keys’ spot in round two, reinforcing her status as a title favorite. Olhynykoiva’s valiant effort marks her as one to watch. With the Australian Open in full swing, Keys’ poise under pressure positions her well for deeper runs.