American star Madison Keys has successfully launched her Australian Open title defence, navigating a rocky start to secure a straight-sets victory over Ukrainian debutante Oleksandra Oliynykova on Tuesday. The ninth seed ultimately triumphed 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 on the iconic Rod Laver Arena, the very court where she captured her maiden grand slam crown twelve months ago.
Emotional Return for the Defending Champion
The 30-year-old Keys admitted to feeling significant nerves as she stepped onto the court for the first time since her life-changing victory over Aryna Sabalenka last year. "I have been thinking of that moment for basically a year," Keys revealed after the match. "It was incredible to walk out for the first time since walking off the court a year ago."
She shared advice she received from former world number one Lindsay Davenport, who reminded her that the experience of being a defending grand slam champion is rare. "I’m just trying to embrace it and enjoy it," Keys said, expressing her joy at returning to Melbourne.
Debutant Stuns with Fast Start
The match did not begin according to the champion's script. Oliynykova, playing in her first-ever tour-level match and grand slam main draw, exploded from the gates. The unconventional Ukrainian, with floral designs painted across her nose and cheeks, played fearless tennis to race to a 4-0 lead in the opening set, leaving the crowd stunned.
Keys praised her opponent's remarkable start. "First of all, I just want to say my opponent today was incredible," the American stated. "She started so well, she’s such a great competitor and definitely made it tricky for me." Keys acknowledged her own initial timidity before finding her rhythm.
Keys Finds Her Groove, Oliynykova Wins Hearts
Once Keys settled, her powerful game clicked into gear. She reeled in the deficit, forced a tie-break, and saved a set point before clinching the opener. The momentum firmly shifted, and Keys dominated the second set 6-1 to seal the victory.
Despite the loss, Oliynykova was the undeniable crowd favourite. Her spirited performance earned the first applause from the audience, and she shared a warm embrace with Keys at the net. The tattooed Ukrainian, who continues to live and train in her home city of Kyiv despite the ongoing war with Russia, stayed on court to sign autographs even during Keys' post-match interview, beaming when she heard the champion's compliments.
Commentators were charmed by her demeanour. "Never seen someone so happy to have taken a loss. It means so much to her to be out here," said former British star Laura Robson. Katherine Dowes added, "It’s just brilliant. So many firsts for this young woman... And we will see her again, I’m sure, inside the world’s top 100."
What's Next for Keys and Other Early Action
Madison Keys now advances to the second round, where she will face either fellow American Ashlyn Krueger or Czech player Sara Bejlek. In other women's results on Tuesday, a historic moment unfolded as Indonesia's Janice Tjen created an upset. She defeated 22nd seed and former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7-1), becoming the first Indonesian to win a match at the Australian Open in 28 years.
