Pegula Defeats Defending Australian Open Champion Keys
In a notable upset at the Australian Open, Jessica Pegula defeated defending champion Madison Keys. This match took place on January 25, 2026, at the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
Pegula Defeats Defending Australian Open Champion Keys
Pegula, seeded sixth, triumphed over ninth-seeded Keys with a score of 6-3, 6-4. The match lasted under an hour as Pegula swiftly claimed the first set in just 32 minutes.
Match Highlights
- Pegula took a commanding 4-1 lead in the first set.
- She broke Keys’ serve at the beginning of the second set.
- Pegula again surged to a 4-1 lead in the second set.
- The match concluded with Keys hitting a forehand error into the net.
After her victory, the 31-year-old Pegula expressed her satisfaction with her performance. “I’ve been playing really well, seeing the ball, hitting the ball really well this whole tournament,” Pegula stated. She emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining her game plan despite Keys regaining some momentum.
Historically, Pegula and Keys have faced each other on three previous occasions, with Keys winning the last two matches. However, Pegula’s strong serve accuracy and minimized unforced errors proved pivotal in this match.
Pegula’s Tournament Journey
This victory marks Pegula’s fourth appearance in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. Her previous best performance in a Grand Slam was reaching the US Open final in 2024, where she fell to Aryna Sabalenka.
Pegula’s advancement in the tournament reinforces her status as a strong contender and showcases her growing prowess in women’s tennis.
