Australian Open: Keys overcomes Krejcikova to reach semis

Sydney, Jan. 25 (BUS): Madison Keys moved into her first Grand Slam semi-final since 2018 by defeating Barbora Krejsikova in straight sets at the Australian Open.

The German News Agency (dpa) reported that Keys defeated fourth seed Czech Krichkova 6-3 6-2 in hot conditions at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday.

After a grueling 50-minute initial set, Keys handled the heat better than the two, claiming a deserved win.

The win gave Keys her first major semi-final match since the 2018 US Open and fifth of her career, with either Ash Barty or Jessica Pegula waiting to be seen.

With just 11 wins in 2021, Keys has a 10-game winning streak, despite being challenged by Krijkova, particularly early on.

A couple of break points went begging Keys in game two before she drilled herself a 15-40 hole to hold 2-1.

Keys stuck after a grueling fifth game of 18 points, which seemed very important, having saved four break points.

Another long game followed as chances, this time for Keys, came and went before Krijkova sent a wide forehand to give the American a 4-2 lead.

Krejcikova took a 2-5 medical time, but there was no stopping Keys achieving the first set at 50 minutes.

Unforced errors continued to come from Krezhikova and a backhand kick helped Keys to break the break in the second set opener.

Looking increasingly exhausted, Krejcikova broke to love in the third match, although the French Open champion immediately reclaimed one of those.

Krejcikova continued to fight, but Keys moved away, breaking 5-2 en route to the final four.

MI