How Did Madison Keys Defeat Ashlyn Krueger in the Australian Open?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling second-round clash at the Australian Open, defending champion Madison Keys triumphed over Ashlyn Krueger, showcasing her resilience. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula advanced after a commanding win against doubles partner McCartney Kessler. Dive into the highlights of these intense matches and what’s next for these American stars.
Key Takeaways
- Madison Keys shows resilience by defeating Ashlyn Krueger.
- Jessica Pegula advances with a decisive win over McCartney Kessler.
- Keys faced significant challenges in the second set but managed to secure her victory.
- Both players exemplify the strength of American tennis in the tournament.
- The matches took place at the Australian Open, highlighting the intense competition.
Melbourne, Jan 22 (NationPress) Defending champion Madison Keys displayed her prowess by overcoming Ashlyn Krueger in an all-American second-round matchup at the Australian Open. The No. 9 seed Keys secured a victory with a score of 6-1, 7-5, marking her debut as a defending champion in a major tournament.
Keys faced little challenge in the opening set against World No. 62 Krueger, but the second set proved to be a significant challenge. Trailing 5-2, she managed to fend off a set point in the ninth game and fought back to win the match in 1 hour and 13 minutes.
"I think I started really well, and I felt Ashlyn had a slow start. I anticipated her to elevate her game, which she did. Things got away from me quickly, and I just aimed to regain my footing in the set, even if I lost it," Keys mentioned, as reported by WTA.
In other news, the No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula also progressed to the third round of the 2026 Australian Open after defeating her doubles partner McCartney Kessler with a score of 6-0, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
Pegula dominated the first set, while Kessler took a medical timeout prior to the second. Although the brief delay disrupted Pegula’s rhythm, she quickly regained her composure to finish off her American rival in just 58 minutes.
"She’s a formidable competitor, so I was aware that she would eventually find her stride and make a comeback in the match. It’s always a challenge playing against a friend, especially when we've been aiming to team up for doubles, yet here we are facing each other in singles instead! She’s great, and her team is wonderful as well," Pegula shared.
Point of View
The performance of Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula at the Australian Open reinforces the strength of American tennis. Their resilience and competitive spirit serve as an inspiration, showcasing the depth of talent in the U.S. tennis scene. As they progress in the tournament, the nation watches with anticipation, hoping for further success.
NationPress
22/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the match between Madison Keys and Ashlyn Krueger?
Madison Keys won the match against Ashlyn Krueger with a score of 6-1, 7-5.
What was the score of Jessica Pegula's match?
Jessica Pegula defeated McCartney Kessler with a score of 6-0, 6-2.
What challenges did Madison Keys face in her match?
Keys faced a tough challenge in the second set, coming back from a 5-2 deficit.
Where did these matches take place?
The matches took place at the Australian Open, specifically at the Rod Laver Arena.
Is this Madison Keys' first major as defending champion?
Yes, this is Madison Keys' first major tournament as the defending champion.
