Australian Open: Jessica Pegula sets up semi-finals clash with Elena Rybakina after beating Amanda Anisimova
Melbourne, January 28
In an all-American showdown, Jessica Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 in the Australian Open quarterfinals, securing her first-ever semifinal spot in Melbourne on Wednesday.
The last time Pegula faced a compatriot in the Australian Open quarterfinals, she closed the match in 1 hour and 35 minutes on Wednesday to reach the semifinal, where she'll face Elena Rybakina.
"It's awesome. I've been able to go deeper at the US Open the last couple years, but here was the first Slam that I really broke through at. And I was a three, and then this year, four-time quarterfinalist," Pegula said as per the WTA Tour website.
"I was like, 'It's got to be coming, you know. The next round, I've got to get to the semi.' Because I feel like I play some really good tennis here, and I like the conditions. And I've always felt like, even matches I've lost here, that I've played well. So I've been waiting for the time where I could kind of break through," she added.
Pegula has made it to her third Grand Slam semifinal, and it's her first time at a Major other than the US Open. She dominated fellow Americans, with this win marking her eighth straight victory over a US player at a Grand Slam.
She also became the first American woman to defeat three compatriots in a single Australian Open since Gigi Fernandez accomplished the feat in 1993.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great match, but the real test is Rybakina now. Her power is immense. Pegula will need to be at her absolute tactical best. As an Indian tennis fan, I wish we had players consistently reaching these stages. Our players need more support and better infrastructure.
The stat about beating three compatriots is wild! Shows real mental strength. In India, we rarely see such intra-country battles at the highest level in individual sports. The depth in American tennis is something else.
Her quote about waiting for the breakthrough is so relatable. Sometimes you just need that one win to change everything. Hope she goes all the way! The semi-final should be a cracker.
Watching from Mumbai! The match was on at a decent time for us. Pegula's groundstrokes were so clean. Makes me miss Sania Mirza even more though. We need a new Indian star to cheer for in singles.
A respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on the 'American vs American' angle, which is fine, but it undersells Anisimova's effort in that second set tiebreak. It was a proper fight. Pegula earned it, but credit to both.
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