The victory marks a positive start for the 2017 finalist, who faced an early exit at Flushing Meadows last year. Despite a minor hiccup when she was broken while serving for the match at 5-3, Keys immediately responded by breaking back in the following game to seal the win. Reflecting on the pressure of the opening round, Keys noted the difficulty of facing an emerging talent while managing the inherent nerves of a Grand Slam environment.
Weather Delays and Notable Results
Persistent showers, which began on Monday night, forced tournament officials to restrict play to the Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums, both of which feature retractable roofs. The inclement weather delayed matches on the outer courts for much of the day, creating a condensed and challenging environment for the field.
Once the rain subsided in the afternoon, outdoor play finally commenced. No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina made a strong impression, dispatching 17-year-old Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile, No. 32 seed Maria Sakkari staged a dramatic comeback; after trailing 6-2, 4-0, she rallied to overcome Robin Montgomery with a final score of 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.
In other notable results, French Open champion
