Australian Open 2026: Madison Keys overcomes nerves to defeat Oleksandra Olynikova to defend title

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

Twelve months ago, the 30-year-old American experienced a fairy-tale run in Melbourne and finally lifted his first career Grand Slam trophy.

However, she got off to a rocky start in her title defense on Tuesday, losing to Grand Slam rookie Oleksandra Olynikova in her first four games.

Keys said afterward that she struggled to find footage of her opponent to help prepare her because Olynikova’s defensive style didn’t mesh well with her hard-hitting game.

But the ninth seed finally held firm and defeated the Ukrainian player 7-6 (8-6) 6-1.

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

“The moment they say ‘get ready, play,’ it all hits you in a way that I don’t think you can really explain.

“As nerve-wracking and stressful as it can be, I still remind myself how few people are able to be in that moment.

“Being able to go out today and get the crowd as enthusiastic as they were, I’m always going to be under pressure.”