Madison Keys Faces Ann Li in Australian Open First-Round Clash

MELBOURNE, Australia — Madison Keys, the No. 20-ranked tennis player in the world, will face fellow American Ann Li, ranked No. 91, in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open on Tuesday, January 14. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 AM ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+ and ESPN2.

Keys, a seasoned competitor, enters the match with momentum from her recent victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia at the China Open in September 2024. Meanwhile, Li is looking to rebound after a tough loss to Lucia Bronzetti in the Round of 16 at the WTA Monastir tournament in Tunisia last September.

This matchup marks the first meeting between the two players at a Grand Slam event. Keys, known for her powerful baseline game, is the clear favorite, but Li, a rising star of Chinese descent, has shown resilience and could pose a challenge.

Fans in the U.S. can catch the action live, with the match starting at 10:00 PM PT on January 13 and 1:00 AM ET on January 14. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, is a critical tournament for players aiming to set the tone for their season.

Keys, a former U.S. Open finalist, has consistently performed well in Melbourne, reaching the semifinals in 2015 and 2022. Li, on the other hand, is seeking to make a breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage after showing promise in smaller tournaments.

For those unable to watch live, ESPN+ and ESPN2 will provide comprehensive coverage, including highlights and analysis. The match is expected to draw significant attention as two American talents compete for a spot in the second round.