In a pulsating quarterfinal at the Australian Open, Jessica Pegula overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6(1) to storm into the semifinals for the first time, keeping her maiden major title dreams alive.
The 1:35 marathon showcased Pegula’s evolution as a top-tier player. Ranked sixth globally, she dominated the first set by exploiting Anisimova’s serve vulnerabilities, racing to a two-break lead.
The second frame saw Anisimova mount a fierce comeback, matching Pegula blow-for-blow with powerful groundstrokes. Tiebreak nerves tested both, but Pegula’s composure shone through. She dismantled her opponent with seven unanswered points, blending aggressive serving and lightning returns.
This victory solidifies Pegula’s 4-0 edge over Anisimova and caps a historic tournament for the American, who has now beaten three compatriots — Kessler, Keys, and Anisimova — a feat unmatched by any U.S. woman here in over 30 years.
Facing Elena Rybakina next, Pegula reflected on her breakthrough: ‘After quarterfinal exits in the last four AOs, this feels incredible. I’ve loved the bounce here and finally put it all together.’
Pegula’s semifinal berth has shifted tournament dynamics, injecting fresh excitement into the women’s draw. Her blend of power, consistency, and mental fortitude signals a player peaking at the perfect moment.