Lizette cabrera

Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova: Madison Keys survived an early scare against the unorthodox Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova at Rod Laver Arena to launch her Australian Open title defence on Tuesday.

Despite trailing 4-0 in the first set and also in the first-set tiebreak, the World No. 9 Keys saved two set points and progressed with a 7-6(6), 6-1 first-round win.

It was Oliynykova’s Grand Slam debut and also her first tour-level match. She had not played since an ITF event in Ecuador in early December and not on a hard court since a first-round qualifying exit at Flushing Meadows to Australia’s Lizette Cabrera last August. Oliynykova, ranked No. 92 on the WTA Tour was facing her first top 50 opponent.