Madison Keys mounts heroic comeback: Survives match points against Sofia Kenin to advance in French Open
WTA
Madison Keys survived a tough encounter against fellow American Sofia Kenin at the French Open, staging a notable comeback in the third set. The 2025 Australian Open champion secured her 10th consecutive victory in Grand Slam tournaments, defeating her compatriot 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
It wasn't easy for the world No. 8, who found herself down 0-3 in the final set against the former French Open finalist. However, she showed her class to eliminate Kenin and advance to the second week at Roland Garros for the fifth time in her career.
First Set
In a first set that could have gone either way, Kenin managed to gain the advantage by being more effective in key moments. The 2020 French Open finalist saved three break points during the early part of the set, while not posing too much risk to her opponent on return.
Kenin managed to keep things even until 3-3, at which point she got her first break opportunities. Aided by a Keys error, she secured the break that put her ahead. Although she had some difficulties closing out the set towards the end, she ultimately took a 6-4 lead. Keys hit 14 winners compared to Kenin's 8, while in unforced errors, Keys had 17 against Kenin's 15. Kenin managed to win a tight set despite winning fewer points than her opponent.
Second Set
At the start of the second set, Kenin again navigated a tricky situation, saving a couple of early break points. The American No. 3 was determined to take the set, showing great effectiveness on her first serve (83%) compared to Kenin's 68%.
A single break in the sixth game was all Keys needed to take the lead and hold onto her serve. She hit a total of 11 winners compared to Kenin's 12, though the differences were stark in terms of unforced errors: Keys had 6, while her opponent totaled 17 in the set alone, numbers that made it difficult for her to keep pace.
Third Set
The third set promised to be full of tension from both sides. Keys felt the pressure early and saw her opponent quickly take a 3-0 lead after an early break. However, Keys stayed in the fight, recovered the break, and leveled the score at 3-3.
The tension mounted when Kenin went up 5-4 and earned three match points on Keys' service game. Nevertheless, the world No. 8 showed her class in the most complicated moment. She saved all three of her opponent's chances and then secured a break on her first opportunity. This time, without hesitation, Keys comfortably held her last service game – avoiding a tie-break – and sealed the 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory after almost two and a half hours of play.
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Her next opponent will be the surprising Hailey Baptiste (world No. 79), who comes off a win against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and had earlier eliminated Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia. The head-to-head record currently stands at 2-1 in favor of Keys.
Match Statistics Keys vs. Kenin
| Keys | VS | Kenin |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 8 | Aces | 0 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 6 |
| 58% (58/100) | 1st Service Percentage | 59% (63/106) |
| 76% (44/58) | 1st Service Points Won | 68% (43/63) |
| 60% (25/42) | 2nd Service Points Won | 45% (20/44) |
| 82% (9/11) | Break Points Saved | 63% (5/8) |
| 88% (14/16) | Service Games | 80% (12/15) |
| Return | ||
| 32% (20/63) | 1st Return Points Won | 24% (14/58) |
| 55% (24/44) | 2nd Return Points Won | 40% (17/42) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 20m | Match Duration | 2h 20m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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