Madison Keys surged into the third round with a commanding win over Ashlyn Krueger as American tennis shone in Melbourne, with Jessica Pegula also advancing by beating McCartney Kessler. Yet the post-match spotlight shifted as both Keys and Pegula followed Coco Gauff’s lead, speaking candidly about the Donald Trump administration and reframing the day’s narrative.

Right after her second-round match at the Australian Open, Keys was asked about Donald Trump’s second term and how she felt personally about the state of affairs and growing tension within the United States.  

“I think my stance has been pretty obvious. I think it’s pretty obvious where I stand, and I am hopeful that we as a country can come together and get back to the values that I think make our country great,” replied the reigning Australian Open champion. 

Keys then spoke about division and identity in the United States. “I am not a fan of divisiveness, and I think the beauty of the US is that we are a mixing pot. We are very diverse. We are a home of immigrants, and I hope that we can get back to those values.”

Jessica Pegula was asked the same question in her press conference, echoing Keys’ words.

“I just hope that everybody can kind of, at some point, come together and work together as far as situations or whether it’s political or not political in our country,” Pegula said.

She also addressed the global spotlight on the United States. “I feel like, you know, we have a big country where there’s a lot of media attention on us too, and that’s tough because things definitely make their way around the world, and even me being in Australia, you hear about all these things going on back home.”

When asked about Florida, her home state, Pegula replied, “Personally, Florida’s been I think okay. I think Florida there’s a a big melting pot of different people from all over in Florida. Florida to me, at least where I live, has been fine.”

The topic first surfaced when Coco Gauff was questioned about the state of America under Donald Trump’s second administration yesterday. The 21-year-old, who’s always been politically outspoken, answered thoughtfully:

“I hope forward that we can have a lot more peace in our country and more kindness in the way we speak to each other about different topics & things like that,” Gauff said. 

She later explained the emotional weight behind those conversations. “At this point, I feel a bit fatigued talking about it just because of the fact that it is hard being a black woman in this country and having to experience things, even online, and seeing marginalized communities being affected and knowing that I can only donate and speak out. I try my best to do that.”

While the discussion off court drew attention, the on-court results told a strong story. Madison Keys continued her impressive run at the Australian Open. She moved through the rounds with confidence and control.

Jessica Pegula has also looked sharp in Melbourne. Like Keys, she has yet to drop a set. Both Americans advanced into the third round, letting their tennis do most of the talking.

Madison Keys unfazed by title drought ahead of Australian Open third round

Since winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 12 months ago, Madison Keys has not reached another Tour-level final. Her most recent semifinal appearance came in June on grass at The Queen’s Club. 

This gap has sparked questions about her chances of defending the title in Melbourne. Still, the American remains confident in her game and mindset.

“Last year I played some unbelievable tennis and it’s one of those things where you have moments in your career where things just aren’t going right, and that’s how it felt for a couple of weeks,” she said.

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She also cautioned against oversimplifying past success. “But even then I feel like there were still moments throughout the Australian Open last year where things got really tricky and it’s easy to look back and romanticise it and think I played unbelievable tennis.”

Now, a serious test awaits her in the next round. Keys will face former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova. The Czech is a two-time Grand Slam finalist and brings experience and firepower.

Pliskova is enjoying a resurgence in Melbourne after a difficult period. Injuries limited her to just two WTA 125 events last year. As a result, she dropped outside the top 1000 in the rankings.

She entered the draw using her protected ranking and has made the most of the opportunity. With both players carrying different narratives, the question remains. Will Keys emerge victorious, or does a tough battle await?