Pegula Defeats Defending Australian Open Champion Keys
In an exciting match at the Australian Open, Jessica Pegula emerged victorious over defending champion Madison Keys. The sixth-seeded Pegula defeated her fellow American Keys, who was seeded ninth, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. The match took place on January 25, 2026, at the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Pegula’s Strong Performance
Jessica Pegula showcased remarkable skill during the match. She won the first set in just 32 minutes, establishing a commanding 4-1 lead. Throughout the game, Pegula maintained her momentum, breaking Keys’ serve early in the second set and again pulling ahead to a 4-1 lead.
Key Match Statistics
- Match Date: January 25, 2026
- Location: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
- Pegula’s Seed: 6th
- Keys’ Seed: 9th
- First Set Duration: 32 minutes
- Final Score: 6-3, 6-4
The match concluded when Keys hit a forehand into the net, sealing Pegula’s victory. After the match, Pegula expressed her confidence, stating, “I’ve been playing really well, seeing the ball and hitting it cleanly throughout this tournament.” She highlighted her focus on capitalizing on Keys’ tendencies and maintaining her lead during the match.
Historical Context
This victory marks Pegula’s fourth quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. Previously, she reached the final of the US Open in 2024 but lost to Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula’s performance against Keys reflects her growth as a contender in the tournament.
Despite having lost the last two encounters with Keys, Pegula demonstrated superior serve accuracy and made fewer unforced errors, contributing to her success. This win positions Pegula as a strong competitor as she advances in the tournament.
