MELBOURNE, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A jittery Madison Keys got the defence of her Australian Open crown off to a stuttering start Tuesday, losing the first four games before rallying to stay in the title hunt. She started her season with quarter-final exits at Brisbane and Adelaide, admitting before the Grand Slam to being nervous as defending champion. "I've been thinking about this moment for basically a year," said Keys of walking out on centre court again. Showing no nerves, she stunned the American by breaking again and raced 4-0 clear before Keys finally woke up and battled back. The gritty comeback was the catalyst for a far more convincing second set, breaking straight away and racing into a 4-0 lead before sealing the match with ease after 1hr 40mins.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 20, 2026 03:17 UTC