Madison Keys is all set to kick off her 2026 season by defending her Australian Open title in Melbourne. Keys had a phenomenal run at the tournament last year, which saw her dispatch two-time defending champion and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets in the final to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.
Now, the challenge is greater than ever, as the World No. 7 needs to perform at the highest level at the Australian Open, having collected the most points of her 2025 season via the Australian swing. Keys secured 2554 points out of the total 4335 points in the previous year by the end of the Australian Open.
oh madi 😭 pic.twitter.com/HAY6Ez8Xk5
— Lisa 🧚🏻♀️ (@lisa_talking) January 2, 2026
This gives the 30-year-old American a lot to defend over the next few days, given that she also won the WTA 500 Adelaide International before the 2025 Australian Open.
Next, Sabalenka will be defending 1,800 points, while World No. 2 Iga Swiatek will defend 1,105 points in the Australian swing.
Madison Keys Eyes a Strong Performance at Brisbane International Ahead of the Australian Open 2026
Madison Keys is all set to kick off her 2026 season at the Brisbane International on Jan. 6. She is seeded fifth in the tournament, with Aryna Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula all ranked above her. This makes the WTA 500 event more competitive than ever.
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According to a probable calculation, if Keys manages to get past the Round of 16, she could set up a clash with the tournament favorite, Sabalenka. The American will surely carry the positive headwind from her Australian swing last year, where she went 12-0 to win her first Grand Slam title.
Keys will receive a bye in the Round of 64 and is expected to play on Jan. 6 against the winner between McCartney Kessler and Emiliana Arango. Thereafter, she will travel to Melbourne, where the Australian Open commences on Jan. 18 at Melbourne Park, with the draws for the tournament to be announced three days before the opening day.
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