Novak Djokovic put on one of his most impressive physical and tactical performances to win a 24th Grand Slam title

Playing her third-round match at the US Open, the American rallied past Liudmila Samsonova, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, after two hours and eight minutes to celebrate the 100th major match win of her career.

“It's amazing,” Keys said on-court when asked about the milestone. “I won my very first Grand Slam match here on the old Grandstand many, many years ago now. Being able to achieve that here again after having my first year, it means the absolute world to me.”

Of her career major wins, 29 have come at Flushing Meadows—with the maiden victory she referenced occurring 12 years ago. A finalist here in 2017, Keys has now advanced to the second week in six of her 12 appearances.

"It's the absolute greatest place in the world to play," stated Keys to roaring applause.

Advertising

Clashing on Louis Armstrong Stadium, neither player faced a break point through the first 10 games of the contest until Keys lost her serve from 30-0 up. She then missed a pair of opportunities to get herself into a tie-break in falling behind a set to the No. 14 seed.

“I had those great points in the first set. I felt like I was so close,” said Keys. “It was just a few points here and there.”

Keys soon regrouped, opening a 3-1 lead and breaking the Russian for a second time to force a decider. The No. 17 seed duplicated that same course of events in the final set, wrapping with 31 winners to 25 unforced errors.

This season, Keys picked up her seventh WTA crown in Eastbourne. The 28-year-old followed that up with her best major showing of the year thus far, a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon. For a chance to match that result in New York, Keys awaits the winner of countrywoman Jessica Pegula and 2019 semifinalist Elina Svitolina.

Advertising