Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Madison Keys Overcomes Nerves, Advances at US Open
Madison Keys played Alina Korneeva in the first round of the US Open.
Keys won the match in two sets, 7-5 and 6-4.
She was nervous at the beginning because first-round matches at major tournaments can feel difficult.
Last year, Keys lost in the first round of this tournament.
This time, she stayed calmer and improved her serving.
Korneeva briefly fought back in the second set.
Keys broke her serve again and finished the match with a strong forehand.
She will play Lucie Havlickova or Anna Bondar next.
Madison Keys defeated Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4 in the US Open first round.
The American’s victory helped erase memories of her first-round exit at last year’s tournament.
Keys raised her first-serve percentage from 48% in the first set to nearly 70% in the second.
Korneeva recovered a break in the second set, but Keys broke again and closed out the match.
Keys will next face either Lucie Havlickova or Anna Bondar.
- Who
- American tennis player Madison Keys defeated Russian Alina Korneeva.
- What
- Keys won their US Open first-round match 7-5, 6-4.
- When
- Tuesday.
- Where
- The match was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Keys advanced by winning and overcame the nerves and memories associated with her previous first-round exit at the tournament.
- Match result
- Madison Keys defeated Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4.
- Tournament stage
- US Open first round.
- Serve improvement
- Keys increased her first-serve percentage from 48% in the first set to nearly 70% in the second.
- Previous US Open result
- Keys lost in the first round at last year’s US Open.
- Next opponent
- Keys will face either Lucie Havlickova or Anna Bondar.
- Recent Grand Slam achievement
- Keys won her first Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open.