Melbourne, Jan 22 Defending champion Madison Keys proved too good for Ashlyn Krueger in an all-American second-round clash at the Australian Open. The No.9 seed Keys won 6-1, 7-5 in what is her first major as defending champion.
Keys didn't face early trouble against World No. 62 Krueger, but did face a tough test in set two. She rallied from 5-2 behind, saved a set point in the ninth game, and came all the way back 6-1, 7-5 in 1 hour and 13 minutes.
"I think I started really well and I think Ashlyn started a little bit slow. I was fully expecting her to raise her level, which she did. It got away from me quickly, and I just really wanted to -- even if I lost the set -- try to get back in the set, try to figure out where my game went.
"Once I got that momentum, I tried to sink my teeth into the set, and do whatever I could to get back into it," Keys was quoted by WTA.
Later, No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula also advanced to the third round of AO 2026 after beating doubles partner McCartney Kessler 6-0 6-2 in another all-American clash at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
Pegula won the first set with ease before Kessler took a medical time-out before the second. Pegula’s rhythm was briefly interrupted by the delay, but she recovered to dismiss her American compatriot in 58 minutes.
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