Madison Keys has upset top seed and world number seven Jessica Pegula to claim the Adelaide International for a second time on Saturday in a major confidence-boost ahead of the Australian Open.
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The world number 20 duplicated her 2022 trophy at Memorial Drive by defeating her American compatriot 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 for a ninth WTA crown.
Keys came back from a medical timeout in the second set after treatment on her left knee to watch her good friend Pegula take the final into a deciding set.
But she rallied to deliver the win on her first match point, setting her up nicely for an Australian Open first round clash against another American, Ann Li.
“Jess had an amazing week, coming out of the gates in the first week and making the final,” Keys, who won her last title in May at Strasbourg, said.
“I also got off to a good start and I’m looking forward for what’s to come this season.
“I haven’t been back here (Adelaide) since 2022 and I was lucky enough to lift the trophy then.
“Now I’m back and I’m holding it once again so I feel like I should keep coming back to Adelaide. I clearly do well here.”
Pegula, last year’s US Open finalist, admitted she was clearly outplayed by her compatriot.
“I had like, three winners, it was tough,” she said.
“Maddie hits the ball harder than anyone, she played some amazing tennis.
“This was a good week to start the season for me. I’m excited to keep it going into Melbourne.”
The Australian Open at Melbourne Park gets underway on Sunday.
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