Australian Open 2026: Defending champion Madison Keys battles past plucky Oliynykova

Madison Keys launched ‍her Australian Open title defence ​with a 7-6(6) 6-1 ‌win over Ukrainian ​Grand Slam debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova to achieve the second spherical at Melbourne Park on Tuesday (January 20, 2026).

Keys discovered herself in hassle early on at ​Rod Laver Enviornment, conceding ⁠a double break with premature double faults, and whereas she ​drew degree at ⁠4-4 the American was then dragged right into a tiebreak the place Oliynykova triggered ‌extra chaos together with her ‌deep, looping pictures.

The plucky Ukrainian introduced up two ‍set factors however Keys erased the deficit with ‍some trademark big-hitting to ultimately snatch a tense tiebreak, punctuating her escape with a roar.

The shift in momentum was confirmed when ninth seed Keys went ⁠forward 3-0 within the second set and the ​30-year-old wrapped up the win ⁠on serve to arrange a second-round assembly with fellow American Ashlyn Krueger.

Tjen first Indonesian to win at Australian Open in 28 years

Janice Tjen known as it “particular” after she pulled off an upset to change into the primary Indonesian to win a match on the Australian Open in 28 years on Tuesday (January 20, 2026).

Unseeded Tjen shocked Canadian twenty second seed Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) to surge into the second spherical in Melbourne and add to her rising checklist of milestones.

Tjen, who this time final 12 months was ranked 413 however is now the world quantity 59, is the primary Indonesian to win a match on the main since Yayuk Basuki in 1998.

Indonesia’s Janice Tjen of Indonesia reacts throughout her first spherical match in opposition to Leylah Fernandez of Canada on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on January 20, 2026
| Photograph Credit score:
AP

“I’m very joyful to be part of historical past and have the ability to get a win right here for Indonesia,” stated the 23-year-old.

“It was particular, particularly with the ability to do it in entrance of my household right here and there have been a whole lot of Indonesians, and my shut buddies are additionally right here.”

Requested by AFP how her life had modified off court docket since a breakthrough 2025, she stated: “I get recognised a bit of bit right here and there and I feel it’s good, it’s a pleasant feeling to be recognised.”

In entrance of the vocal Indonesia followers Tjen made a lightning begin, sealing the primary set in 36 minutes to depart her higher-ranked opponent from Canada reeling.

Tjen seized an early break within the second set to place 2021 US Open runner-up Fernandez instantly on the again foot.

The fourth recreation of the second set threatened to be pivotal, Tjen digging herself out of a gap on her personal serve to carry and go 3-1 up.

The 23-year-old Fernandez fought again, reeling off three video games in a row to show the tide.

The battling duo headed right into a tiebreak, the place Tjen powered right into a 3-0 lead and by no means appeared again, letting out a mighty roar when victory was confirmed.

Tjen’s profession took off in 2025.

She pulled off one other shock in upsetting Russian twenty fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova as a qualifier on the US Open.

In New York she was the primary Indonesian to play in the primary singles draw of a Grand Slam since 2004.

The Jakarta native lifted the title in Chennai final 12 months — the primary Indonesian to win a WTA Tour singles crown since 2002.

Reflecting on the assist in Melbourne of Indonesia followers waving their pink and white flag and chanting, Tjen stated: “It’s one thing particular and feels a bit of bit like dwelling.

“Figuring out that a whole lot of Indonesians got here out to assist me at this time means rather a lot.”

Dad-to-be Ruud able to stroll away

Casper Ruud is concentrating on a fourth Grand Slam remaining on the Australian Open, however he is able to pull the pin and make a mad sprint dwelling if he will get a name from his closely pregnant spouse.

The Twelfth-seeded Norwegian is into the second spherical at Melbourne Park however admits his focus is just not solely on the event.

Spouse Maria is anticipating their first youngster any day and he’s ready to drop every little thing to be together with her for the start.

“I’ve to thank Maria for letting me go within the first place. I do know she’s at dwelling resting, preparing,” stated Ruud, who has made finals twice on the French Open and as soon as on the US Open.

“Aside from after I’m taking part in a match, the ringer (on my telephone) is on all hours of the day simply in case.

“If she goes into labour I most likely gained’t be right here the subsequent day,” he added.

“However that’s the best way it goes. There’s extra to life than simply tennis, however I’m going to be right here for so long as I can and so long as Maria lets me.”

Former world quantity two Ruud performs Spain’s Jaume Munar within the second spherical.

Printed – January 20, 2026 08:21 am IST