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Ninth time's a charm for Madison Keys in straight-set win over Venus Williams

The younger American required nine match points to prevail, 6-2, 7-5.

By Associated Press
MATCH POINT: M. Keys def. V. Williams; Montreal 1R0:32
WATCH: Keys ousts Venus on ninth match point

MONTREAL (AP) — Venus Williams lost to fellow American Madison Keys on Monday night, falling 6-2, 7-5 in the opening round of the National Bank Open.

The 43-year-old Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, dropped to 2-4 in six career matches against the 28-year-old Keys.

The 16th-ranked Keys broke Williams twice in the first set. She recorded two more breaks in the second and held on for the win.

Keys, who also is playing with fellow American Jennifer Brady in the women's doubles tournament, now faces Italian Jasmine Paolini in the round of 32.

Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova posted a 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-2 win over China's Lin Zhu in the opening round.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - AUGUST 07: Madison Keys of the United States in action against Venus Williams of the United States during the first round on Day 1 of the National Bank Open Montréal at Stade IGA on August 07, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)
© 2023 Robert Prange

Pliskova, ranked No. 23 in the world, had 11 aces and seven double-faults. She converted five of 16 break points.

Zhu had two aces and eight double-faults. She broke on two of her three opportunities.

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AP tennis:

https://apnews.com/hub/tennis