Madison Keys returned to motion in fairly some type because the American tennis star demolished Anastasia Potapova 6-3 6-0 in her Indian Wells opener.
In what was her first match since turning into a Grand Slam champion on the Australian Open, the No. 5 seed began with an early break and a 2-0 lead. Whereas the world No. Thirty fourth-ranked Russian managed to shortly get the break again and go 3-2 up, the house favourite did not panic as she responded with back-to-back breaks to win 4 video games in a row and seal the opener.
After profitable the final 4 video games of the second set, Keys additionally bageled Potapova within the second set, ending the match on a 10-game profitable run.
For the 30-year-old, it was her thirteenth consecutive win – she additionally received Adelaide earlier than the Australian Open. For a spot within the Indian Wells round-of-16, she is going to battle towards both Elise Mertens or Kim Birrell.
Keys reacts to her Indian Wells win
“She’s all the time been a tricky opponent as a result of she hits the ball so exhausting. I actually simply needed to preserve the ball away from her. I used to be completely satisfied I used to be ready to do this,” the reigning Australian Open champion mentioned after beating Potapova.
Additionally, Keys took a second to acknowledge the native crowd who got here out to help her.
“I’m so completely satisfied to be right here. Australia was a tremendous second. It’s very nice to have the ability to play at dwelling for my first event again the place I’ve performed so many instances, in entrance of so many superb folks,” the house favourite added.
Madison Keys after beating Potapova at Indian Wells
“I needed to decrease you from a helicopter onto the court docket to carry you again right down to earth immediately. 😂 Your first event since profitable the Australian Open!”
*crowd goes wild*
Madi: “I’m so completely satisfied to be right here. Australia was an… pic.twitter.com/VGsFuJDetl
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 8, 2025
