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Deadspin | Champ Madison Keys shaky early but advances in Australian Open

Deadspin | Champ Madison Keys shaky early but advances in Australian Open

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Aug 9, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Madison Keys (USA) serves against Eva Lys (GER) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

For the first time in her career, Madison Keys walked out onto a Grand Slam stage on Tuesday as the tournament’s defending champion.

For the ninth-seeded Keys, the first hour and 12 minutes vs. Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova represented a major reality check.

After a slow start, Keys cruised in the final 30 minutes and defeated Oliynykova 7-6 (6), 6-1 in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Keys could not solve the unorthodox tactics of her opponent in the early going, reached double figures in unforced errors quickly and found herself trailing 4-0.

The American bounced back to win four consecutive games but then trailed 6-4 in the first-set tiebreaker.

However, Keys blistered four consecutive winners, either set up by or finished with her trademark forehand groundstrokes.

Keys made 30 unforced errors in the first set.

She carved that figure to seven and only lost 12 points in the second set to advance to the second round, where she will face American Ashlyn Krueger.

“I was actually talking to Lindsey Davenport yesterday and she reminded me that not many people get to be a defending champion at a Grand Slam,” Keys said after the match. “So just trying to enjoy it and embrace it. And as nervous as I was at the start, I’m really glad to be back and that I got through that match.”

Krueger defeated Sara Bejlek from the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-3.

A pair of seeded players fell in the sunny and breezy conditions in Melbourne. No. 22 Canadian Leylah Fernandez fell to Indonesian Janice Tjen 6-2, 7-6 (1), while No. 30 Australian Maya Joint dropped a 6-4, 6-4 decision to Czech Tereza Valentova.

The news was not all bad for the host nation, as 20-year-old wild card Australian Taylah Preston defeated veteran Shuai Zhang of China 6-3, 2-6, 6-3.

Other winners in the early matches included former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic, her countrywomen Varvara Gracheva, Katerina Siniakova and Linda Fruhvirtova and China’s Xinyu Wang.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Anna Bondar upends Elina Svitolina in Madrid Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday. It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament. Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open. “I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.” Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set. Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match. “I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court. “It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.” Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes. No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes. Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anna #Bondar #upends #Elina #Svitolina #MadridAug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday.

It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament.

Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open.

“I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.”

Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set.

Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.


Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match.

“I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court.

“It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.”

Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes.

No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes.

Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3.

Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anna #Bondar #upends #Elina #Svitolina #Madrid">Deadspin | Anna Bondar upends Elina Svitolina in Madrid Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday. It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament. Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open. “I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.” Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set. Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match. “I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court. “It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.” Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes. No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes. Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anna #Bondar #upends #Elina #Svitolina #Madrid

Not many batters are synonymous with the way the art of willow-wielding has exploded this Indian Premier League (IPL) quite like Tim David.

The broad-chested Aussie of gigantic frame (6’5”) has been one of the best exponents of power-hitting, scoring his 173 runs this campaign at a whopping strike-rate of 203.52. He also has more sixes than fours (14 to 12), in line with his overall IPL career (74 to 66).

But the 30-year-old, who recently became the second fastest to score 1000 IPL runs (560 balls), also felt that the Indian domestic talent has stepped up dramatically to become bold and belligerent.

READ | IPL 2026: GT’s top-heavy method to face full-throttle RCB test

“The first part is that you have the Impact subs… you get an extra player,” said David in the lead-up to Friday’s match against Gujarat Titans here. “It is also that the depth of the domestic talent in India has improved so much and these guys come into the IPL ready to hit sixes.

“Earlier, you would need specific overseas players to be power-hitters, like Chris Gayle. But you now look at all the Indian domestic players and the international Indian players, and they all hit sixes. That’s stepped up throughout the competition.”

However, despite totals routinely going north of 200, David opined – without saying in as many words – that it was still a cat-and-mouse contest between batters and bowlers.

“Bowlers have lots of weapons in their arsenal now and are definitely a lot smarter. You’ll see the summary on the TV, they talk about where the bowlers can target and they’ve obviously graphed out where batters score quickly and what they’re weak against.

“If the bowler lands a perfect yorker, it’s going to be difficult to score off. But they know that if I’m standing down and they’re going to miss, I’m going to try and hit them for a six.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#IPL #Indian #talent #ready #hit #sixes #RCBs #Tim #David">IPL 2026: Indian talent come in ready to hit sixes, says RCB’s Tim David Not many batters are synonymous with the way the art of willow-wielding has exploded this Indian Premier League (IPL) quite like Tim David.The broad-chested Aussie of gigantic frame (6’5”) has been one of the best exponents of power-hitting, scoring his 173 runs this campaign at a whopping strike-rate of 203.52. He also has more sixes than fours (14 to 12), in line with his overall IPL career (74 to 66).But the 30-year-old, who recently became the second fastest to score 1000 IPL runs (560 balls), also felt that the Indian domestic talent has stepped up dramatically to become bold and belligerent.READ | IPL 2026: GT’s top-heavy method to face full-throttle RCB test“The first part is that you have the Impact subs… you get an extra player,” said David in the lead-up to Friday’s match against Gujarat Titans here. “It is also that the depth of the domestic talent in India has improved so much and these guys come into the IPL ready to hit sixes.“Earlier, you would need specific overseas players to be power-hitters, like Chris Gayle. But you now look at all the Indian domestic players and the international Indian players, and they all hit sixes. That’s stepped up throughout the competition.”However, despite totals routinely going north of 200, David opined – without saying in as many words – that it was still a cat-and-mouse contest between batters and bowlers.“Bowlers have lots of weapons in their arsenal now and are definitely a lot smarter. You’ll see the summary on the TV, they talk about where the bowlers can target and they’ve obviously graphed out where batters score quickly and what they’re weak against.“If the bowler lands a perfect yorker, it’s going to be difficult to score off. But they know that if I’m standing down and they’re going to miss, I’m going to try and hit them for a six.”Published on Apr 23, 2026 #IPL #Indian #talent #ready #hit #sixes #RCBs #Tim #David

IPL 2026: GT’s top-heavy method to face full-throttle RCB test

“The first part is that you have the Impact subs… you get an extra player,” said David in the lead-up to Friday’s match against Gujarat Titans here. “It is also that the depth of the domestic talent in India has improved so much and these guys come into the IPL ready to hit sixes.

“Earlier, you would need specific overseas players to be power-hitters, like Chris Gayle. But you now look at all the Indian domestic players and the international Indian players, and they all hit sixes. That’s stepped up throughout the competition.”

However, despite totals routinely going north of 200, David opined – without saying in as many words – that it was still a cat-and-mouse contest between batters and bowlers.

“Bowlers have lots of weapons in their arsenal now and are definitely a lot smarter. You’ll see the summary on the TV, they talk about where the bowlers can target and they’ve obviously graphed out where batters score quickly and what they’re weak against.

“If the bowler lands a perfect yorker, it’s going to be difficult to score off. But they know that if I’m standing down and they’re going to miss, I’m going to try and hit them for a six.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#IPL #Indian #talent #ready #hit #sixes #RCBs #Tim #David">IPL 2026: Indian talent come in ready to hit sixes, says RCB’s Tim David

Not many batters are synonymous with the way the art of willow-wielding has exploded this Indian Premier League (IPL) quite like Tim David.

The broad-chested Aussie of gigantic frame (6’5”) has been one of the best exponents of power-hitting, scoring his 173 runs this campaign at a whopping strike-rate of 203.52. He also has more sixes than fours (14 to 12), in line with his overall IPL career (74 to 66).

But the 30-year-old, who recently became the second fastest to score 1000 IPL runs (560 balls), also felt that the Indian domestic talent has stepped up dramatically to become bold and belligerent.

READ | IPL 2026: GT’s top-heavy method to face full-throttle RCB test

“The first part is that you have the Impact subs… you get an extra player,” said David in the lead-up to Friday’s match against Gujarat Titans here. “It is also that the depth of the domestic talent in India has improved so much and these guys come into the IPL ready to hit sixes.

“Earlier, you would need specific overseas players to be power-hitters, like Chris Gayle. But you now look at all the Indian domestic players and the international Indian players, and they all hit sixes. That’s stepped up throughout the competition.”

However, despite totals routinely going north of 200, David opined – without saying in as many words – that it was still a cat-and-mouse contest between batters and bowlers.

“Bowlers have lots of weapons in their arsenal now and are definitely a lot smarter. You’ll see the summary on the TV, they talk about where the bowlers can target and they’ve obviously graphed out where batters score quickly and what they’re weak against.

“If the bowler lands a perfect yorker, it’s going to be difficult to score off. But they know that if I’m standing down and they’re going to miss, I’m going to try and hit them for a six.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#IPL #Indian #talent #ready #hit #sixes #RCBs #Tim #David
Deadspin | Thunder’s Jalen Williams week-to-week with strained hamstring Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) screams after dunking against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain injury and will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis, the team announced. Williams underwent an MRI on Thursday, one day after he left Oklahoma City’s 120-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter due to the injury. The Thunder hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series, with games scheduled for Saturday and Monday in Phoenix. Game 5, if necessary, is Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Williams is no stranger to hamstring injuries. He was hurt against the Miami Heat on Jan. 17 and missed the following 10 games. However, during his second game back against the Suns, he re-injured the hamstring. Williams, 25, also started the season late due to two separate surgeries on his right wrist. He played through the injury during the playoffs last season, averaging 21.4 points while helping the Thunder win the NBA title. This season, Williams is averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 33 games (all starts). He was an All-Star last season when he averaged a career-best 21.6 points per game. Overall, Williams is averaging 18.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 248 games (235 starts) in four NBA seasons. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Thunders #Jalen #Williams #weektoweek #strained #hamstringApr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) screams after dunking against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain injury and will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis, the team announced.

Williams underwent an MRI on Thursday, one day after he left Oklahoma City’s 120-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter due to the injury. The Thunder hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series, with games scheduled for Saturday and Monday in Phoenix. Game 5, if necessary, is Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

Williams is no stranger to hamstring injuries. He was hurt against the Miami Heat on Jan. 17 and missed the following 10 games. However, during his second game back against the Suns, he re-injured the hamstring.


Williams, 25, also started the season late due to two separate surgeries on his right wrist. He played through the injury during the playoffs last season, averaging 21.4 points while helping the Thunder win the NBA title.

This season, Williams is averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 33 games (all starts). He was an All-Star last season when he averaged a career-best 21.6 points per game.

Overall, Williams is averaging 18.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 248 games (235 starts) in four NBA seasons.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Thunders #Jalen #Williams #weektoweek #strained #hamstring">Deadspin | Thunder’s Jalen Williams week-to-week with strained hamstring Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) screams after dunking against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain injury and will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis, the team announced. Williams underwent an MRI on Thursday, one day after he left Oklahoma City’s 120-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter due to the injury. The Thunder hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series, with games scheduled for Saturday and Monday in Phoenix. Game 5, if necessary, is Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Williams is no stranger to hamstring injuries. He was hurt against the Miami Heat on Jan. 17 and missed the following 10 games. However, during his second game back against the Suns, he re-injured the hamstring. Williams, 25, also started the season late due to two separate surgeries on his right wrist. He played through the injury during the playoffs last season, averaging 21.4 points while helping the Thunder win the NBA title. This season, Williams is averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 33 games (all starts). He was an All-Star last season when he averaged a career-best 21.6 points per game. Overall, Williams is averaging 18.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 248 games (235 starts) in four NBA seasons. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Thunders #Jalen #Williams #weektoweek #strained #hamstring

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