WHAT HAPPENED
Trouble brewed for Madison Keys during Round 1 of the 2026 US Open against teenage sensation Alina Korneeva, who had recently defeated Keys’ compatriots Emma Navarro and Iva Jovic at the WTA 1000 Toronto. However, the 2017 runner-up found the telling shots in the crunch moments for a 7-5, 6-4 victory in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It’s always funny. I think I’m still a teenager, so looking across the net and seeing a teenager doesn’t make much sense to me,” quipped Keys. “It’s always tough playing someone who is young and up and coming, they’re going for all their shots.
“It’s just so hard to play the first round of a Grand Slam, so nervous, wanting to do so well. I’m happy I was able to fight through that and get the win today.”
Keys knew she was up against a top drawer rising star and sent out a signal of intent with a crushing forehand in a one-two strike for the very first point. The world No. 24’s heavy hitting with cannonballs off both forehand and backhand landed for a 3-0 scoreboard.
Korneeva, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, scurried across the baseline like the legendary Spaniard, to fire a forehand pass down the line. Next point, the 19-year-old repeated that trick, this time off the backhand wing to deservedly get an opening game.
It was the launchpad for the teenager to restore parity at 3-3. Yet more booming Keys groundstrokes chalked up a 5-3 advantage, but the serve was lacking rhythm and impact, back came Korneeva to level.
Just when the tension rose and danger loomed, Keys called upon her previous 33 US Open match wins to fire a scintillating backhand pass as the highlight reel Keys component to capturing the opening set.
Compared to the turbulent first, the second set was front-foot excellence within the baseline, much more in the mold of major contender Madi up until 4-2.
Once again Korneeva stood tall and refused to gift points, the 19-year-old fending off match point at 5-3 down to prolong the encounter. With 94 minutes on the clock, a Korneeva forehand headed wide, and Keys roared with relief to avoid the same fate as her 2025 US Open first round.
WHAT IT MEANS
The 2026 season victory tally has now reached 30 for Keys for the sixth time in her standout career. In fact, that’s four times in the past five years, indicating Keys remains one of the most consistent performers out there.
The American is a real momentum player and will be the overwhelming favorite next in battle with either world No. 226 Lucie Havlickova or Top 100 talent Anna Bondar.
It then gets really tasty in a potential third round against No. 12 seed Belinda Bencic or the resurgent Qinwen Zheng. Keys will want to be sharper for sure, especially with 2022 champion Iga Swiatek seeded to turn up in the Last 16.
MATCH POINT
Keys and her fellow professionals Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady and Desirae Krawczyk have recently celebrated the 1first anniversary of their ‘Player’s Box’ podcast.
It started as a joke in a group message chat, now it’s well worth a listen for insights (and plenty of comedy) from on tour.
“I do a little bit of everything. I’m also a podcaster now, so make sure you listen to our podcast, the new episode dropped today. A shameless plug,” Keys told the crowd. “I’m constantly gardening, buying new furniture, making lots of coffee, I think it helps keep all my hours filled."
