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Keys, Pegula Power Through All-American Clashes at Australian Open

Defending champion Madison Keys advanced by overcoming Ashlyn Krueger in a match where she rallied from a 5-2 deficit in the second set. Jessica Pegula delivered a commanding performance to defeat her doubles partner, McCartney Kessler, in straight sets. Both matches featured American players competing against each other in the second round. The victories set up their respective paths into the third round of the Australian Open.

Key Points: Keys, Pegula Win All-American Matches at Australian Open

  • Keys rallies from 5-2 down in second set
  • Pegula wins in dominant 58 minutes
  • Both victories in all-American second-round clashes
  • Keys saves set point in tight second set
2 min read

Aus Open: Keys ousts Krueger; Pegula beats doubles partner in all-American second round matches

Defending champ Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula advance to the third round after defeating fellow Americans Ashlyn Krueger and McCartney Kessler.

"It's always tough, but she's great, her team's great, and they're a super cool family, so no worries. - Jessica Pegula"

Melbourne, Jan 22

Defending champion Madison Keys proved too good for Ashlyn Krueger in an all-American second-round clash at the Australian Open. The No.9 seed Keys won 6-1, 7-5 in what is her first major as defending champion.

Keys didn't face early trouble against World No. 62 Krueger, but did face a tough test in set two. She rallied from 5-2 behind, saved a set point in the ninth game, and came all the way back 6-1, 7-5 in 1 hour and 13 minutes.

"I think I started really well and I think Ashlyn started a little bit slow. I was fully expecting her to raise her level, which she did. It got away from me quickly, and I just really wanted to -- even if I lost the set -- try to get back in the set, try to figure out where my game went.

"Once I got that momentum, I tried to sink my teeth into the set, and do whatever I could to get back into it," Keys was quoted by WTA.

Later, No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula also advanced to the third round of AO 2026 after beating doubles partner McCartney Kessler 6-0 6-2 in another all-American clash at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.

Pegula won the first set with ease before Kessler took a medical time-out before the second. Pegula's rhythm was briefly interrupted by the delay, but she recovered to dismiss her American compatriot in 58 minutes.

"She's such a good competitor, so I knew at one point she was definitely going to find a way to start playing better and work her way into the match.

"We have tried to hook up for doubles so many times and we were joking of course, the time we actually are in the draw and ready to play, we play each other the next round in singles. It's always tough, but she's great, her team's great, and they're a super cool family, so no worries," Pegula said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
All-American clashes are always fun to watch! Pegula's dominance was impressive, but it must be so awkward to play your doubles partner. Respect to both for handling it professionally. The Australian Open timing is perfect for us in India to watch in the afternoon!
R
Rohit P
Solid performance from Keys. But honestly, the article feels a bit repetitive focusing only on the American players. The tournament has so many other stories. Would love to see more coverage of global players, especially from our part of the world.
S
Sarah B
Pegula's comment about their families being "super cool" is so wholesome! It's nice to see sportsmanship and friendship beyond the competition. Makes me miss the days of Sania Mirza dominating the doubles circuit. Good memories!
V
Vikram M
Keys' mental strength to save that set point and turn the match around is the key takeaway. In any sport, that's what separates the good from the great. Hope our Indian athletes are taking notes! 🎾
K
Karthik V
The scheduling must be tough for players meeting friends so early. Pegula won easily on paper, but a medical timeout can break anyone's rhythm. She handled it well. On another note, Melbourne's weather looks fantastic on TV compared to this Delhi winter!

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