MELBOURNE, Australia — Jessica Pegula’s Australian Open campaign through the first three rounds had been built on unrivaled composure and smart tennis. On Monday, she added something else: a statement.
didn’t just defeat defending champion and close friend Madison Keys in Rod Laver Arena, she completely dismantled her game with intelligence and discipline, showing a level of tactical nous that feels every bit like a player who is ready to win a Grand Slam.
The 31-year-old advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over ninth-seeded Keys to extend her flawless run — and is still yet to drop a set.
This was already the most intriguing matchup of the day. It was set up as a clash between Keys’ explosive, powerful shotmaking versus Pegula’s efficiency. What unfolded was, well, that, but also something a bit more telling. It was a lesson in how to combat an opponent’s strengths with shape, variety and pressure.
«[I’m] happy with the way I was able to serve I think on some really big, key points, execute my strategy,» Pegula said after the match.
«I have been seeing, hitting, moving, I feel like very well this whole tournament, and to be able to keep that up against such a great player as Madi and defending champion was going to be a lot tougher of a task today, but I think I was still able to do that really well.»
From the opening games of the first set, Pegula’s intent was clear. She was always on the front foot, stepping forward on Keys’ serve to break early, and had service games with impeccable placement to constantly force movement in her opponent, rather than allowing Keys to plant herself and get the upper hand in points with aggressive returns.
Wide serves, angled groundstrokes, looping forehands, slices, and then a flat cross-court strike. Anything that prevented the 2025 winner from finding rhythm, Pegula did.
Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport played in the 2005 final.
Pegula now moves into quarterfinals, playing incredibly efficient tennis that can unravel most rivals. No sets dropped and only 17 games lost.
Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinal. Though Pegula is 3-0 against her, this will be the first time they’ve played at the Grand Slam level.
