Keys upsets Bencic in Doha to record first win since September

World No.19 Madison Keys made a winning return to the WTA circuit as she upset sixth seed Belinda Bencic in the opening round of the 2021 Qatar Open.

The 2017 US Open runner-up last played a match in September at the 2020 Roland Garros, where she lost in the first round to China's Shuai Zhang. Despite the five-month hiatus, the American looked impressive in her first round victory over Bencic, prevailing in a 6-4 6-1 rout.

"I'm really happy with how I came out and played today," Keys said after her match. "I'm a little bit surprised with myself but hoping to keep the momentum going tomorrow."

Keys relied on her strong forehand and deep returns to dictate play, hitting 24 winners to only 17 unforced errors. Furthermore, the former World No.7 saved four of the five break points she faced, frustrating Bencic into committing 20 unforced errors.

"If I'm serving well, things are usually going well for me," said Keys, who won 83 percent of her first-service points. "I think it's a really important part of my game, something that I focused on a lot. Obviously tonight it showed that when I'm serving well and hitting my spots, I can get ahead in the point."

Awaiting Keys in the second round is Greece's Maria Sakkari, who won their sole previous encounter in straight sets at the 2020 Australian Open.

Click here for live scores and results from the Qatar Open.