Madison Keys overpowered Daria Kasatkina to move to round two

The No. 10 seed Madison Keys needed just 57 minutes to move past Daria Kasatkina (6-3, 6-1) into the second round of the Australian Open.

The on-form American had a good run to the final in Brisbane, only to lose to Karolina Pliskova in a thrilling three set match.

That form extends to Melbourne: “I felt really good out there,” she admitted following a match postponed from Monday. “Having a delayed start for the first round helped. I could play really solid tennis. To be able to get in and get out quickly and drama free was the perfect setup.”

Going into the fact that this was her seventh consecutive win over Kasatkina: “I think it’s a bad matchup for her. She’s so good at taking pace off, using drop shots and spins, and I take time away. I think it takes her out of her game. She’s so talented and has so many weapons,” Keys explained.

Agressive returns from Keys were the key to winning the match, even when Keys herself was broken by Kasatkina, up to 4-3. From there it wasn't straight sailing, yet the American took command and finished the first set coming back from two breakpoints.

The second set was much easier after Kasatkina held her serve in the first game, it was all Keys' set - 6 straight games in a row. Madison Keys now faces qualifier Arantxa Rus in the second round, who defeated Magda Linette.

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