Madison Keys overcame a spirited challenge from teenage star Alina Korneeva to win 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the 2026 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 24th-seeded American made a fast start, using powerful forehands and backhands to establish a 3-0 lead. Korneeva, who recently defeated Emma Navarro and Iva Jovic in Toronto, fought back strongly to level at 3-3 and later 5-5. Keys then produced a brilliant backhand passing shot to secure the opening set. The 19-year-old continued to resist in the second, saving match point at 5-3, but Keys held her nerve to close out the contest after 94 minutes.
The 2017 US Open runner-up advanced to the second round in New York.