playPegula pulls through in straight sets to defeat Kessler (0:21)Jessica Pegula defeats McCartney Kessler in straight sets 6-0, 6-2 in the Aussie Open. (0:21)Associated PressJan 21, 2026, 09:20 PM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMELBOURNE, Australia -- Defending champion Madison Keys survived a tough second-set challenge Thursday but overcame fellow American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5 to reach the third round of the Australian Open. After sweeping through the first set, the ninth-seeded Keys fell behind 5-2 in the second set but rallied for the victory at John Cain Arena. In another early match between two American women, sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula defeated McCartney Kessler 6-0, 6-2."I think I started really well and Ashlyn started a little bit slow," Keys said. "And then I was fully expecting her to raise her level, which she did.
