Madison Keys returned to action in quite some style as the American tennis star demolished Anastasia Potapova 6-3 6-0 in her Indian Wells opener.
In what was her first match since becoming a Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open, the No. 5 seed started with an early break and a 2-0 lead. While the world No. 34th-ranked Russian managed to quickly get the break back and go 3-2 up, the home favorite didn’t panic as she responded with back-to-back breaks to win four games in a row and seal the opener.
After winning the last four games of the second set, Keys also bageled Potapova in the second set, finishing the match on a 10-game winning run.
For the 30-year-old, it was her 13th consecutive win – she also won Adelaide before the Australian Open. For a place in the Indian Wells round-of-16, she will battle against either Elise Mertens or Kim Birrell.
Keys reacts to her Indian Wells win
“She’s always been a tough opponent because she hits the ball so hard. I really just had to keep the ball away from her. I was happy I was able to do that,” the reigning Australian Open champion said after beating Potapova.
Also, Keys took a moment to acknowledge the local crowd who came out to support her.
“I’m so happy to be here. Australia was an amazing moment. It’s really nice to be able to play at home for my first tournament back where I’ve played so many times, in front of so many amazing people,” the home favorite added.
Madison Keys after beating Potapova at Indian Wells
“I wanted to lower you from a helicopter onto the court to bring you back down to earth today. 😂 Your first tournament since winning the Australian Open!”
*crowd goes wild*
Madi: “I’m so happy to be here. Australia was an… pic.twitter.com/VGsFuJDetl
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 8, 2025
Tennis World USA