Gracheva after her loss to Keys: "In the first set, it was 50-50"

Despite a strong start in the first set, where she led 5-2 and even had two set points, Varvara Gracheva couldn’t hold off Madison Keys.

Initially struggling, the American—who won the Australian Open earlier this season—turned the match around to win in straight sets (7-6, 6-1).

After her two-set victory over Ajla Tomljanovic, the world No. 65 was halted in the second round, but Gracheva remains confident that this loss will help her improve.

"I was really happy with how I played in the first set. Since the start of the year, I’ve been struggling a bit, so I’m pleased to have reached this level. Now, the question is how to maintain it for longer.

I had chances in the first set, but I couldn’t close it out even though it was 50-50. She’s a very good player—I couldn’t just wait for her to make mistakes.

Then, in the second set, she started playing really well. At this level, it’s tough to keep the same focus, though I don’t think the score reflects how competitive the second set actually was. I’m leaving this match with more confidence—I still have a lot of room to grow," Gracheva told *L’Équipe*.