Adelaide International: Keys moves into last 8, MBoko next

Defending champion Madison Keys continued her dominant run on Australian soil Wednesday, defeating Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International.

The American second seed, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, needed just over an hour to dismantle the 18-year-old rising star. While the first set remained competitive, Keys used her veteran experience to pull away in a lopsided second set, punctuated by a much-improved serving display.

“I think overall it was a pretty good match today,” Keys said. “I definitely got a little bit better in the second set and was able to run away with it. [Valentova] is a very talented young player, and I’m sure we’ll see much more of her.”

The opening frame saw Keys struggle with her ball toss, leading to several double faults that kept the world No. 60 within striking distance. However, once the 30-year-old American found her rhythm, the power gap became evident. Keys noted that she successfully “reeled back” her toss in the second set, which allowed her to dictate points on her first serve and capitalize on early break opportunities.

tape on her hamstring

Valentova, who reached the second round after Latvian Jelena Ostapenko retired during their opening-round match, struggled to find answers for Keys’ heavy groundstrokes. For the Czech teenager, it was another learning experience against a Top 10 opponent.

The victory sets up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash between the tour’s established power and its newest sensation. Keys will next face No. 8 seed Victoria Mboko. The 19-year-old Canadian has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 12 months, moving from outside the top 300 to a career-high No. 17.

Keys, who entered the match with tape on her hamstring, dismissed any injury concerns, calling it a “precautionary” measure. “I feel like it’s always a lot easier to try to prevent than to manage,” she said.

The American will be looking to secure her 11th WTA quarterfinal in Australia as she prepares for her title defense at the upcoming Australian Open.