Defending champion Madison Keys and rising Australian star Taylah Preston both recorded first-round victories at the Australian Open on Tuesday, setting a promising tone for the opening week at Melbourne Park.
American ninth seed Madison Keys faced a challenging test from Ukrainian debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova. Keys struggled early against Oliynykova’s unorthodox style, which included high moonballs and rapid court coverage.
After a tense first set, Keys found her rhythm and won 7-6(6), 6-1. She will meet Ashlyn Krueger in the second round. Speaking after the match, Keys said, “It was incredible to walk out for the first time since walking off the court a year ago… I’m really glad I got through that match.”
Meanwhile, home favourite Taylah Preston achieved a career milestone by winning her first Grand Slam main-draw match. Ranked 161st in the world and competing with a wildcard, Preston defeated world No.75 Zhang Shuai 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 in a one-hour-and-33-minute match.
Preston hit 26 winners, including 15 from her forehand, and will face 13th seed Linda Noskova in the second round. Her victory follows a recent semifinal breakthrough at the Hobart International, highlighting her rising form on the WTA Tour.
Preston is one of eight Australian singles players competing at Melbourne Park this week. Further home representation is expected after the all-Australian first-round clash between Kimberly Birrell and Maddison Inglis.
The strong presence of young Australian talent adds excitement for the local crowd in the early stages of the tournament.
The Australian Open 2026 runs from 12 January to 1 February and is held on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Tennis Australia extended respect to Elders past and present and all First Nations People.
