Melbourne Champ Keys Out as Sinner Fights to Stay In
Jessica Pegula has eliminated defending champion Madison Keys from the Australian Open, marking a significant moment in the tournament. In a match on Monday, Pegula secured a dominant victory, winning 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the quarter-finals against fourth seed Amanda Anisimova.
Melbourne Heat and Tournament Highlights
As temperatures soared to 33°C, players faced challenging conditions at Melbourne Park. Pegula, the sixth seed, is chasing her first Grand Slam title at age 31. She has previously reached the US Open final in 2024, making her a formidable competitor.
Madison Keys’ Title Defense Ends
Keys struggled throughout the match, committing 27 unforced errors and six double faults. Her early exit in the last 16 came as part of a friendly wager with Pegula. Keys stated, “A bet is a bet, so I’ll do it,” referring to a slice of apple pie with melted cheddar cheese, which she must consume.
Additional Matches
- Fifth seed Elena Rybakina defeated 21st seed Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3.
- Maddison Inglis, ranked 168, moved into the last 16 after Naomi Osaka withdrew due to injury.
The day also featured the fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who battled through the heat to set up a quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic. With temperatures projected to rise to 45°C, organizers implemented heat management protocols, including 10-minute breaks during extended matches.
Sinner Aims to Advance
Later in the day, reigning champion Jannik Sinner faced Luciano Darderi. Sinner, a strong contender and a favorite for the title, seeks to win his third consecutive Australian Open. Only Novak Djokovic has achieved such a feat in the Open era.
Djokovic, who reached the quarter-finals without playing a match due to Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal, is set to meet Musetti, having won nine of their ten previous encounters. Musetti expressed confidence, stating he feels ready to challenge Djokovic to his limits.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the competitors navigating the intense Melbourne heat and seeking Grand Slam glory.
