In Adelaide, South Africa, defending Australian Open champion Madison Keys demonstrated resilience by overcoming some initial serving struggles to secure a victory in her latest warm-up match ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2026. The 30-year-old American, seeded ninth for the upcoming Australian Open, triumphed over Czech teenager Tereza Valentova with a score of 6-4, 6-1 during the Adelaide International.
Despite serving seven double faults in the first set against the 18-year-old Valentova, Keys showcased her experience by regaining her form in the second set. She managed to break her opponent’s serve twice and sealed the match after 85 minutes by converting her third match point. “Experience helps get through the tricky moments,” noted Keys, highlighting her ability to capitalize on momentum shifts.
Facing a new generation of talent on the women’s circuit is no small feat, and Keys acknowledged the challenge this presents. “They are so young, have so much energy and are just so good. You expect them to play great tennis,” she remarked, referring to the rising stars in the sport.
Next, Keys will encounter fellow teenager Victoria Mboko, ranked 17th, in the quarter-finals. The 18-year-old Canadian made headlines last year by clinching the WTA 1000 title in Montreal and the Hong Kong Open, marking her presence on the international stage.
Keys began her preparation for the 2026 Australian Open last week in Brisbane but lost in the quarter-finals to world number one Aryna Sabalenka, the same player she faced in last year’s Australian Open final. Nonetheless, the defending champion appears to be building momentum as she heads into another competitive season. Her journey reflects a hopeful outlook as she aims to defend her title and face the new challenges ahead.