Jessica Pegula made history at Melbourne Park, defeating compatriot Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6(1) in the quarterfinals to reach her first Australian Open semifinal and set up a tantalizing showdown with Elena Rybakina.
In a match lasting 95 minutes, Pegula’s superior depth and accuracy overwhelmed the fourth seed. She wrapped the first set swiftly with two service breaks, dictating play from the baseline.
Anisimova fought back valiantly in set two, trading breaks and saving match points to force a tiebreak. Pegula, however, was clinical, surging to a 7-0 tiebreak win fueled by error-free tennis and relentless pressure.
The result boosts Pegula’s unblemished 4-0 record against Anisimova and marks her as the first American since the early 1990s to vanquish three fellow Yanks in one Australian Open, following wins over Kessler and Keys.
Post-match, the World No. 6 beamed: ‘This is my first deep run here outside the quarters. The courts feel right, and I’m playing freely. Semis await!’
Pegula’s ascent underscores her growth from consistent performer to major threat. As she prepares for Rybakina, all eyes are on whether she can channel this momentum into a Grand Slam final.