Madison Keys launched her Australian Open title defence with a 7-6(6) 6-1 win over Ukrainian Grand Slam debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova to achieve the second spherical at Melbourne Park on Tuesday (January 20, 2026).
Keys discovered herself in hassle early on at Rod Laver Enviornment, conceding a double break with premature double faults, and whereas she drew stage at 4-4 the American was then dragged right into a tiebreak the place Oliynykova prompted extra chaos along with her deep, looping photographs.
The plucky Ukrainian introduced up two set factors however Keys erased the deficit with some trademark big-hitting to finally snatch a tense tiebreak, punctuating her escape with a roar.
The shift in momentum was confirmed when ninth seed Keys went forward 3-0 within the second set and the 30-year-old wrapped up the win on serve to arrange a second-round assembly with fellow American Ashlyn Krueger.
Tjen first Indonesian to win at Australian Open in 28 years
Janice Tjen known as it “particular” after she pulled off an upset to develop into the primary Indonesian to win a match on the Australian Open in 28 years on Tuesday (January 20, 2026).
Unseeded Tjen surprised Canadian twenty second seed Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) to surge into the second spherical in Melbourne and add to her rising record of milestones.
Tjen, who this time final yr was ranked 413 however is now the world quantity 59, is the primary Indonesian to win a match on the main since Yayuk Basuki in 1998.
Indonesia’s Janice Tjen of Indonesia reacts throughout her first spherical match in opposition to Leylah Fernandez of Canada on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on January 20, 2026
| Photograph Credit score:
AP
“I’m very glad to be part of historical past and be capable of get a win right here for Indonesia,” mentioned the 23-year-old.
“It was particular, particularly with the ability to do it in entrance of my household right here and there have been plenty of Indonesians, and my shut associates are additionally right here.”
Requested by AFP how her life had modified off court docket since a breakthrough 2025, she mentioned: “I get recognised a little bit bit right here and there and I feel it’s good, it’s a pleasant feeling to be recognised.”
In entrance of the vocal Indonesia followers Tjen made a lightning begin, sealing the primary set in 36 minutes to depart her higher-ranked opponent from Canada reeling.
Tjen seized an early break within the second set to place 2021 US Open runner-up Fernandez instantly on the again foot.
The fourth sport of the second set threatened to be pivotal, Tjen digging herself out of a gap on her personal serve to carry and go 3-1 up.
The 23-year-old Fernandez fought again, reeling off three video games in a row to show the tide.
The battling duo headed right into a tiebreak, the place Tjen powered right into a 3-0 lead and by no means seemed again, letting out a mighty roar when victory was confirmed.
Tjen’s profession took off in 2025.
She pulled off one other shock in upsetting Russian twenty fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova as a qualifier on the US Open.
In New York she was the primary Indonesian to play in the principle singles draw of a Grand Slam since 2004.
The Jakarta native lifted the title in Chennai final yr — the primary Indonesian to win a WTA Tour singles crown since 2002.
Reflecting on the assist in Melbourne of Indonesia followers waving their crimson and white flag and chanting, Tjen mentioned: “It’s one thing particular and feels a little bit bit like dwelling.
“Understanding that plenty of Indonesians got here out to assist me right this moment means so much.”
Shelton overpowers Humbert in battle of lefthanders
American eighth seed Ben Shelton relied on his energy and tiebreak prowess to beat Ugo Humbert 6-3 7-6(2) 7-6(5) in an engrossing battle of lefthanders at Rod Laver Enviornment to achieve the Australian Open second spherical.
Shelton, who misplaced to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in final yr’s semi-finals, blasted via the primary set however the Frenchman fought again within the second and third units to pressure tiebreaks.
However that was the place the American prevailed, relying on his expertise from final yr when he was concerned in eight tiebreaks in six matches at Melbourne Park.
“I believed that I simply performed two nice tiebreakers. I’ve performed plenty of tiebreakers right here, plenty of expertise, and I feel that helped me so much right this moment,” Shelton mentioned.
Shelton lit up the court docket from the outset, thundering down a 229kph serve on simply the second level of the match and breaking early to surge right into a 3–1 lead.
One large supply struck Humbert flush on the arm, prompting an instantaneous apology from Shelton, although the message of intent was clear because the Frenchman struggled to take care of the sustained energy coming from throughout the online.
Shelton additionally produced a second of brilliance when he squeezed an inconceivable return between a ball child and the online put up to steal a degree, earlier than sealing the set with a crisp crosscourt forehand winner.
Having been outplayed for 75 minutes, Humbert immediately bought the measure of Shelton within the second set as they traded breaks and the American’s unforced error rely climbed.
Regardless of being down a break twice within the second set, a resilient Humbert fought again to stage however his razor-sharp returns abandoned him when it mattered most within the tiebreak as Shelton raced via to a two-set lead.
The third set turned a serving masterclass, with each gamers giving no quarter on their first serves and break factors had been briefly provide as they headed right into a second tiebreak, the place Humbert jumped to a 3-0 lead.
However Shelton clawed his manner again earlier than letting out a triumphant scream as he fired a forehand winner down the road on match level, handing Humbert a primary loss in 4 Grand Slam matches in opposition to a lefthander.
“I believed I stayed actually calm right this moment… Enjoying Ugo first spherical is a troublesome draw,” Shelton added.
“I felt like I discovered a few of my higher tennis later within the match and that’s all you’ll be able to hope for. I’m wanting ahead to attempting to proceed this type and make it higher and higher all through the match.”
Dad-to-be Ruud able to stroll away
Casper Ruud is focusing on a fourth Grand Slam ultimate on the Australian Open, however he is able to pull the pin and make a mad sprint dwelling if he will get a name from his closely pregnant spouse.
The Twelfth-seeded Norwegian is into the second spherical at Melbourne Park however admits his focus isn’t fully on the match.
Spouse Maria is anticipating their first little one any day and he’s ready to drop every part to be along with her for the delivery.
“I’ve to thank Maria for letting me go within the first place. I do know she’s at dwelling resting, preparing,” mentioned Ruud, who has made finals twice on the French Open and as soon as on the US Open.
“Apart from after I’m enjoying a match, the ringer (on my cellphone) is on all hours of the day simply in case.
“If she goes into labour I most likely received’t be right here the following day,” he added.
“However that’s the best way it goes. There’s extra to life than simply tennis, however I’m going to be right here for so long as I can and so long as Maria lets me.”
Former world quantity two Ruud performs Spain’s Jaume Munar within the second spherical.
