MELBOURNE, Australia, 22 January (H.S.): Defending champion Madison Keys navigated inconsistency to defeat compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5 in Thursday's second-round Australian Open match at Melbourne Park, advancing to the third round despite a mid-second-set wobble.

Keys dominated the opening set in 23 minutes, firing seven winners and converting all three break-point opportunities, but faltered thereafter with successive double faults surrendering her serve twice and gifting the 21-year-old Krueger—world No. 92—a 5-2 lead.

The ninth-ranked Keys then reeled off five consecutive games to seal victory, later commenting, I started really well and knew Ashlyn would raise her level; once I found rhythm, I fought back into the set.

In another all-American affair, sixth seed Jessica Pegula dismantled McCartney Kessler 6-0, 6-2 with clinical authority, underscoring robust US form at the 2026 edition.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar