Australian Open 2026 Women’s Day 3

Madison Keys stepped onto court at the Australian Open on Tuesday and fulfilled expectations with a win into the second round in her first match as a Grand Slam defending champion.

The trophy holder winner here a year ago over Aryna Sabalenka admitted to a case of pre-match jitters before she defeated Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-6 (6), 6-1.

Victory marked the 50th appearance in a Grand Slam main draw for Keys,who had her early troubles against a Ukrainian opponent who has been outspoken about the war with Russia and the presence of Russian players on the Tours.

“I’ve been thinking of this moment for a year, it was incredible to walk out on court,” the ninth seed said.

“I was very nervous at the start, you don’t get many times to be the defending champion.”

No.92 Oliynykova secured a double break of serve in the opening set as Keys double-faulted with the set going into a tiebreaker, where the American seed saved a pair of set points before finally winning it.

The 30-year-old Keys broke for3-0 in the second set and ran out the winner in one and three-quarter hours to line up in the second round against compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. 

“As nervous as I was at the start I was really glad to be back and happy that I got through that match,” Keys said.

“My opponent played incredible, started well and made it tricky for me. But I was able to settle and found my way.”

Oliynykova was playing in her first main draw at any level at the WTA level and said she was frankly overwhelmed.

“To get this experience, it’s something that I’ll remember for the end of my life,” he Ukrainian from Kiev said. 

“I cannot be disappointed, because for me, I try to see sport more than just result. It’s also something what’s motivating me.

“If I will be thinking only about the result and that’s it, I wouldn’t be on this level,
because it’s, for me, the whole experience. It’s more important.”

Fifth seed Elena Rybakina, finalist in 2023, advanced past Slovak Kaja Juvan 6-4, 6-3 in 72 minutes after racing away with the momentum of a 4-1 lead in the second set.

“Happy with the win. Of course, first match is always tough,” the former Wimbledon winner said. “I’m happy with the way I served,

“There is, of course, a lot of things to work on. Hopefully my next match is going to be even better.”

Swiss Belinda Bencia overwhelmed Brit Katie Boulter in a 6-0, 7-5 to advance.