Madison Keys kicked off her Australian Open 2026 title defense on Tuesday, facing a surprisingly tough challenge from a name she likely hadn’t considered much before: Oleksandra Oliynykova. While Keys eventually secured a victory at Rod Laver Arena, the unconventional Ukrainian player gave the ninth seed a scare she won’t soon forget.
The Weight of Expectation
Despite meticulous physical and mental preparation, Keys couldn’t escape the tension of returning as a reigning Grand Slam champion. This was a new experience for the American star following her victory last year, and the nerves were evident during her 7-6(6), 6-1 first-round win.
“I have been thinking of that moment for basically a year,” Keys admitted. She shared that a conversation with Lindsay Davenport helped shift her perspective, reminding her that returning as a defending champion is a rare privilege. Keys noted that while the “Ready, play” call brought an indescribable wave of pressure, the warm reception from the crowd made the stress worthwhile.
A Clash of Styles
Oliynykova, a 25-year-old making her Grand Slam and tour-level debut, played the role of the ultimate underdog. Sporting unique flower face stickers, she utilized an unorthodox game plan that frustrated Keys early on. By using high-arcing “moon balls” and varying the pace, she disrupted the rhythm Keys usually relies on.
Keys praised her opponent’s competitiveness, noting how difficult it was to adjust to the lack of pace and the heavy use of slices. While Oliynykova’s player box was empty, Keys leaned on the support of her full team, including her husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo, to help calm her jitters.
Avoiding an Early Exit
Fratangelo encouraged Keys to swing freely, a difficult task given the tension. However, Keys managed to turn the momentum around, reeling off five straight games to stabilize the match. By clinching a chaotic 72-minute first set and dominating the second, she avoided becoming the first defending champion since 2003 to lose in the opening round.
With the first obstacle cleared and her nerves settled, Keys now looks forward to a second-round clash with Ashlyn Krueger.
Saurabh is a passionate tennis content writer and lifelong fan of the game. Whether it’s Grand Slam showdowns or under-the-radar rising stars, Saurabh brings the court to life with sharp analysis, breaking news, and deep-dive features. When they aren’t covering matches, you can find them practicing their topspin forehand or debating who is the GOAT over coffee. Do you enjoy tennis? Then you are in the right place.
