2026 Campaigns Begin with Victories
Last year’s Australian Open finalists, Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka, have kick-started their 2026 seasons successfully by winning their matches at the Brisbane International.
Keys’ Solid Performance
Defending Australian Open champion Keys secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory over McCarthy Kessler in the second round at Pat Rafter Arena. After her win, Keys admitted she was a bit nervous playing her first match of the year but was generally pleased with her game.
Impressive Display from Sabalenka
Sabalenka made a strong statement with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory over Cristina Bucșa, showcasing her prowess and sending a warning to her competitors.
Keys Reacts to Her Match
Although it’s usually unwise to draw conclusions from early matches, Keys looked particularly sharp at times. Despite a tough end to her 2025 season, her performance in Brisbane leaves her a strong contender for Melbourne Park.
Challenging Match Conditions
In a tight contest, both players faced challenges, especially with Keys displaying some rustiness and Kessler offering an impressive fight. However, Keys managed to maintain her focus to ultimately take the first set.
Preparing for Future Competitions
Keys emphasized the importance of dictating play, particularly in the challenging conditions of Brisbane, and expressed her excitement about returning to Australia after a memorable previous year.
Next Steps for Sabalenka and Keys
Following their victories, Keys and Sabalenka, seeded seventh and first respectively, are on a collision course for a potential quarter-final matchup in Brisbane, should they each win their upcoming matches.
