By Chris Oddo | Tuesday August 30, 2016
Madison Keys came back from a set and a break down to defeat Alison Riske in the latest women's finish ever at the U.S. Open.
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Madison Keys was down and out. Then she was all-in. After her 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Alison Riske, she was simply out of it.
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Keys survived a strong effort from Riske, and the latest U.S. Open finish to prevail and set up a second-round encounter with 16-year-old Kayla Day.
But before that, some sleep is needed. The Americans finished at 1:48 A.M., the latest finish recorded for a women’s match in the history of the tournament.
“Now that I'm a part of it, yay,” said Keys. “Let's try not to break it.”
Keys had to battle back from a set and break down to advance. She was off-target early and a little bit stressed as well. Facing a third consecutive loss, Keys dug in and changed the script on the fierce Riske. It’s something she can take into round two.
“I feel like I actually handled it really well,” Keys said. “Being down a set and a break first round of the US Open is never a comfortable feeling. I knew if I let that panic set in then it would just go downhill, so it was a very conscious effort to stay really mellow and be clear thinking.”
Keys’ next opponent Kayla Day, is the youngest player in the women’s singles draw. “I know her, but I don't know how she plays or anything like that,” Keys said. “So we'll get Thomas to watch some videos.”