"The first match we're going to focus on today is the opener on Rod Laver Arena between defending champion Madison Keys (9) and former world number 1 Karolina Pliskova. The 30 year old American is a known commodity following her victory at Melbourne Park last year. She has done enough in her opening two rounds without yet hitting her straps, and she's definitely not in the form of 2025. The 33 year old Czech is into the third round of a major for the first time since the 2023 AO following a long battle with injury."
"At the 2024 US Open Pliskova badly damaged her ankle, requiring two surgeries, and sidelining her for over 12 months. Between 2016 and 2021 she was a regular contender for the biggest prizes on tour, reaching two grand slam finals and ascending to number 1 on the WTA rankings. She starts today 1057 on the standings. Both players are power hitters with two of the biggest serves in the women's game. Despite their ages they've only met once before on tour with Pliskova winning in three sets back in 2020."
Madison Keys, the 30-year-old defending champion, meets 33-year-old Karolina Pliskova in the Rod Laver Arena opener. Keys won Melbourne Park last year but has not yet returned to her 2025 peak, producing steady early-round results. Pliskova reached the third round of a major for the first time since the 2023 Australian Open after recovering from a 2024 US Open ankle injury that required two surgeries and more than 12 months sidelined. Between 2016 and 2021 Pliskova reached two grand slam finals and attained world No.1. Both players rely on powerful serves. Recent tournament action included Alex De Minaur showing confidence, Cameron Norrie losing to Alexander Zverev, and Aryna Sabalenka being pushed by Anastasia Potapova.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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