Madison Keys rallies to win Wimbledon opener in thriller

Madison Keys survived a first-round scare at Wimbledon on Tuesday, battling back to defeat compatriot Kayla Day 6-7(5) 6-4 6-3. The 26th seed extended her perfect opening-match record at the All England Club to 12-0.

What happened in the match?

Keys struggled early against the 20-year-old qualifier, losing the first-set tiebreak 7-5 after failing to convert a 5-4 lead. The 2022 Australian Open finalist regrouped in the second set, breaking Day's serve in the sixth game before holding to love to force a decider.

The 30-year-old's experience proved decisive in the third set. Keys broke Day's serve at the second attempt in the fifth game and never looked back, converting her second match point to seal the victory after two hours and 15 minutes.

Why this win matters for Keys

This victory marks Keys' first Wimbledon appearance since 2022, following a year-long absence due to injury. The win also sets up a second-round clash with British wild card Katie Swan, continuing Keys' quest for her first Wimbledon quarterfinal since 2018.

What's next for Madison Keys?

Keys will face Swan in the second round, with the match scheduled for Thursday. The American will look to build on her recent form, having won her third career title at Eastbourne last weekend.

Meanwhile, fellow American Katie Boulter suffered a straight-sets defeat to Italian teenager Tyra Caterina Grant, while 24th seed Clara Tauson also exited the tournament.