Adelaide, Jan 14 (NationPress) The reigning champion Madison Keys achieved a convincing victory of 6-4, 6-1 against Tereza Valentova, securing her spot in the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International for the second year in a row on Wednesday.

Despite struggling with seven double faults and facing five break points, Keys managed to clinch the first set in 49 minutes. Valentova fought to stay competitive, but Keys unleashed a powerful forehand return winner off the 18-year-old’s second serve to break for a 2-0 lead in the second set. She then won four of the last five games to complete her hard-fought victory, as reported by WTA.

"They’re so young, bursting with energy, and thrilled to be here. Their talent is undeniable. You have to anticipate exceptional tennis from them and rely on your experience during crucial moments, hoping it carries you to victory," Keys remarked.

Keys is set to encounter another youthful talent, Victoria Mboko, in their inaugural meeting on the WTA Tour. The No. 8 seed Mboko saved two match points against Anna Kalinskaya to advance to the second round of the Adelaide International after a grueling two hours and 22 minutes.

Meanwhile, Jaqueline Cristian secured her first victory over Daria Kasatkina, delivering a second-set bagel. Cristian navigated a tumultuous first set before dominating with a score of 6-4, 6-0 in just 1 hour and 31 minutes.

This marks Cristian's second consecutive straight-sets win this week, following her surprising defeat of the No. 4 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round.

Cristian will now face another Australian player, Kimerly Birrell, in the quarter-finals, who progressed after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to injury prior to their match.

In their previous encounters, Cristian and Birrell have split their two matchups, with the Romanian triumphing in a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory last year at Roland Garros.