Competing in her first tournament of the 2026 season, Sabalenka has shaken off any lingering rust after a series of off-season exhibition events. So far, she’s passed with flying colors, yet to drop a set at the WTA 500 event.
Against Keys, Sabalenka weathered 16 winners from her opponent in the first set (she hit only six herself) and stayed patient. It took nearly 30 minutes for the pair to reach 3-3, but from there Sabalenka took control and began swinging more freely.
The second set was closer than the scoreline suggested, with Keys breaking Sabalenka’s serve twice as her opponent’s frustration mounted.
Keys was attempting to bounce back after a grueling quarterfinal the day before, when the American edged No. 12 Diana Shnaider 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4). She was sporting medical strapping on her left thigh during the match on Pat Rafter Arena, and couldn’t match Sabalenka’s firepower as the match unfolded.
