In a thrilling match at Indian Wells, newly crowned Australian Open champion Madison Keys made a powerful statement by decisively defeating Anastasia Potapova with a score of 6-3, 6-0. This was Keys’ debut match as a Grand Slam titleholder, and she certainly didn’t disappoint. With a commanding performance, she broke Potapova’s serve three times to secure the first set, then steamrolled through the second under the warm California sun, extending her impressive winning streak to 13 matches.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” Keys expressed with a smile after her victory on center court. “Winning in Australia was an incredible experience, and it feels wonderful to return to a tournament that’s practically a second home for me, sharing the moment with such fantastic supporters.”
Looking ahead, the world number five, Keys, will face another challenge in the third round when she goes up against the 28th seed, Elise Mertens. Mertens earlier defeated Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-4, 7-5 on the same day.
In other matches, top-seed Aryna Sabalenka found herself in a tight spot but ultimately proved victorious against America’s up-and-coming talent, McCartney Kessler, with scores of 6-7 (4), 6-3. Displaying brilliant control over her powerful serve, Sabalenka was unfazed by any break points, firing six aces and winning an impressive 90% of her first-serve points. She captured the win with finesse, finishing off with two skilled backhand volleys on match point, leading into her upcoming clash with Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti.
(Thanks to Reuters for their contribution to this story.)
