Madison Keys Saves Two Match Points in Cincinnati Open Thriller—Is Another Title Run Coming?

The resurgent American star Madison Keys turned what looked like a routine early-round upset into yet another highlight-reel escape at the Cincinnati Open 2025, rallying past Germany’s Eva Lys 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1) after saving two match points in a dramatic third-set tiebreak. Keys—who lifted her maiden major trophy at this year’s Australian Open and currently sits at a career-high No. 6—admitted she “blacked out” on the decisive points, crediting pure instinct and the raucous Cincinnati night crowd for pushing her over the line. The 30-year-old is now 9-0 in third-set tiebreaks this season, underscoring a newfound mental steel that has been a recurring storyline since her Melbourne breakthrough. Next up is Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito, a heavy-hitting left-hander making her main-draw debut at WTA 1000 level. Keys owns a 2-0 record against Ito but hasn’t faced her since 2023, when both were ranked outside today’s lofty positions. A win would book the American a quarter-final date with either No. 3 seed Coco Gauff or rising Czech teenager Linda Noskova, adding extra intrigue for U.S. Open watchers. Keys’ Cincinnati campaign also carries ranking implications: with a semifinal run she could climb to a career-best No. 4, strengthening her bid for a top-4 seed in New York and a path free of early showdowns against fellow contenders Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek. Key talking points for fans and bettors • “Madison Keys comeback” remains a hot search phrase after four match-point saves in 2025. • “Cincinnati Open 2025 draw” shows a potential all-American quarter-final clash. • “Aoi Ito vs Madison Keys prediction” traffic is spiking as oddsmakers install Keys a strong favorite. Stat box – 37 winners vs Lys, including 14 aces – 82 % first-serve points won in the final set – 9-0 record in deciding-set breakers this year – 22-3 win-loss on North American hard courts since August 2024 What’s next First-ball strikes will be crucial against Ito’s flat groundstrokes, but Keys’ serve-plus-forehand combination should dictate. If her clutch form continues, expect another deep Cincinnati run—fueling momentum for a potential second Slam of the season at Flushing Meadows.