Defending champion Madison Keys successfully navigated a tense and nervy opening match at the Australian Open on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, rallying from a disastrous start to secure her place in the second round.
A Stressful Start for the Champion
The American star, who triumphed at Melbourne Park last year, confessed to feeling the unique pressure of defending her title. Keys found herself trailing 4-0 against Grand Slam debutante Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine before mounting a formidable comeback. She eventually clinched the first set in a tight tie-break and dominated the second to win 7-6 (6) 6-1.
"It's a uniquely stressful moment, but also a real privilege," Keys admitted after the match, highlighting the psychological challenge of returning as the reigning champion. The victory demonstrated her resilience and ability to perform under significant pressure on one of tennis's biggest stages.
Oliynykova's Powerful Motivation
Her opponent, Oleksandra Oliynykova, provided one of the most poignant narratives of the tournament's opening day. The Ukrainian player revealed that her recent rise in the rankings and her debut at a major championship were fuelled by a deeply personal cause: her father is currently fighting in the war in Ukraine.
Oliynykova movingly described the perilous conditions she endures while living and training at home. In a stark reminder of the conflict's reality, she disclosed that explosions rocked the area near her home just days before she travelled to the safety and spectacle of Melbourne for the Australian Open.
Elsewhere in Melbourne
While Keys battled through, other seeds enjoyed smoother passages. Elena Rybakina and Ben Shelton both secured straight-sets victories in their respective matches, advancing without major drama. In the men's draw, Italy's Lorenzo Musetti progressed after his opponent was forced to retire due to injury.
The opening day of the 2026 Australian Open has already delivered high drama, human resilience, and top-tier sporting action, setting the stage for a compelling fortnight of tennis.
