Keys overcomes serve demons to win latest Australian Open warm-up

AFP | Adelaide

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Defending Australian Open champion Madison Keys overcame some first-set serve wobbles to win her latest warm-up match for the opening Grand Slam of the year yesterday.

The 30-year-old American, who will be seeded ninth when the Australian Open begins on Sunday, beat Czech teenager Tereza Valentova 6-4, 6-1 at the Adelaide International.

Keys, who won in Adelaide last year before going on to lift her maiden major, served up seven double faults in the opening set against the 18-year-old.

She improved in the second, breaking twice and converting her third match point to reach the quarter-finals after an 85-minute workout on court. “Experience helps get through the tricky moments,” Keys said. “I was able to take momentum in the second set and play really well. I had to raise my level. You have to take your chances on any opportunities you get.”

World number 60 Valentova is one of a number of rising young talents on the women’s circuit.