Key Takeaways
- Madison Keys defeated Anna Bondar 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5) in the second round of the US Open after saving five match points.
- Keys praised the crowd on Court 17, stating, “This was the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in.”
- Reflecting on her mindset during match points, Keys explained, “I think today it was really just trying to remind myself that the match wasn’t over yet and there was still another point to be played.”
A great escape on Court 17
Madison Keys staged an extraordinary comeback in the second round of the US Open, surviving five match points to defeat Hungary’s Anna Bondar 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5). The thrilling clash on Court 17 pushed the American to the absolute limit before she held her nerve in a final-set tiebreaker to secure a hard-fought passage into the next round.
A great escape on Court 17
Addressing the roaring crowd immediately following her escape, Keys could not hide her appreciation for the home support that rallied behind her through the tensest moments of the deciding set. “I love you guys,” Keys exclaimed to the stands before joking about the high drama: “Um, yeah, that was that was something, huh? No, no stress though. We all knew I had it, right?”
Turning more serious, the American credited the fans for carrying her over the finish line when defeat seemed imminent. “Um, thank you. I mean, you guys got me through that match and I’m so grateful and I love playing here and it’s I mean, it literally gives me chills,” Keys said. “It’s the greatest thing in the world.”
Thriving in an electric new york atmosphere
Having contested her opening-round contest on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Keys transitioned to the intimate confines of Court 17, where the spectator energy reached a fever pitch. She recalled her immediate reaction when stepping out onto the court prior to the battle.
“Yeah, when I walked out, people stood up and I was like, ‘Wow, they’re happy I’m here,’” she said. “Um, I mean, it was I mean, such an amazing atmosphere. This court’s absolutely amazing. And just to be able to play here all these years later and get to be in front of these fans over and over and over again is just the greatest gift in the world.”
She made sure to reiterate her appreciation to the packed crowd: “And I’m so happy. And thank again, thank you everyone for coming out and cheering. This was the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in.”
Mindset on the brink of defeat
When asked how she managed to navigate the perilous deficit and erase five match points in the final set, Keys explained that she focused entirely on staying grounded one swing at a time, aided by a fortunate mishit.
“I think today it was really just trying to remind myself that the match wasn’t over yet and there was still another point to be played and then felt one that I hit everything but my strings,” Keys revealed. “I just felt like that was a good omen.”
Her player box, featuring her husband Bjorn and coaching staff, visibly endured every twist and turn of the marathon encounter. When the on-court interviewer joked about the stress her team went through during the match, Keys offered a quick and confident response: “They’ll be fine.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA5wWu_m56M
WTA U.S. Open - Madison Keys's projected path
Keys at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.24, Keys has managed to achieve a 36-14 win-loss record in 2026. Madison is playing at the U.S. Open where she toppled the world no.69 Alina Korneeva 7-5 6-4 and the world no.73 Anna Bondar 5-7 6-4 7-6(5).
Keys clinched 1 title in 2026 in Eastbourne.
The American won 12 titles in her career: 6 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
