Australian Open 2026: Madison Keys overcomes nerves to beat Oleksandra Oliynykova to start title defence

If Madison Keys wasn’t nervous enough to begin her Australian Open title defense, facing an unknown opponent only increased the tension.

The 30-year-old American had an epic run in Melbourne 12 months ago, lifting the first Grand Slam trophy of his career.

But she made a sharp start to her title defense on Tuesday, losing her first four matches to Grand Slam debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova.

Keys later said she struggled to find footage of her opponent to help her preparations because Oliynykova’s defensive style of play didn’t quite match her big-hitting game.

However, he managed to secure a 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 victory over Ukraine in the bottom of the ninth.

“I’ve actually been thinking about this moment for a year,” Keys said.

“As soon as they say, ‘Ready, play,’ it all hits you in a way that I don’t think you can really explain.

“As frustrating and stressful as it is, I still remind myself of how few people can be there at that moment.

“I’ll take the stress every day just because I can go out today and have the crowd be as welcoming as before.”