Breaking new ground, Jessica Pegula dismantled Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6(1) to clinch her inaugural Australian Open semifinal spot, extending her hot streak against American rivals.
The World No. 6’s 1-hour-35-minute masterclass featured impeccable control. She pounced early, breaking twice for set one dominance, then weathered Anisimova’s second-set resurgence.
A gripping tiebreak decided it all: Pegula’s seven-point blitz, marked by ferocious returns and steady serving, left Anisimova reeling amid mounting unforced errors.
Now 4-0 lifetime against Anisimova, Pegula joins elite company as the first U.S. woman in three-plus decades to beat three countrywomen in a single AO — Kessler and Keys preceded this.
Her third career major semi (first beyond US Open) sets the stage against Rybakina. ‘I’ve bombed out in quarters here before, but not this time,’ Pegula shared. ‘The conditions click for me; I’m dialed in.’
This run cements Pegula’s status as a title favorite, blending tactical nous with raw power in pursuit of glory Down Under.