Madison Keys secured her place in the second round of the 2026 US Open by overcoming a resilient challenge from Alina Korneeva in a gripping first-round encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday. The match, lasting 94 minutes, ended with a 7-5, 6-4 victory for Keys, but not without a stern test from the 19-year-old Russian.
Alina Korneeva Gives Madison Keys a 1st-Round Scare
Korneeva, who trains at Rafael Nadal’s renowned academy, entered the tournament on a wave of confidence following surprising wins against Emma Navarro and Iva Jovic at the Canadian Open. Her momentum was evident from the outset, as she recovered from a 3-0 deficit in the opening set, breaking Keys’ serve twice to keep the set tightly contested.
Despite falling behind early, Korneeva’s tenacity forced a competitive battle throughout, including saving a match point when trailing 5-3 in the second set. However, Keys ultimately maintained her composure to close out the match and advance to the next round.
The encounter showcased a promising display from Korneeva, the reigning 2025 Australian Open champion, underscoring her potential to challenge established players on the big stage. Meanwhile, Keys demonstrated resilience and experience, navigating the intense pressure to claim her win on home soil.