Pegula Dominates Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (7-1) to Reach First Australian Open Semifinal

Pegula Dominates Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (7-1) to Reach First Australian Open Semifinal

Melbourne, Australia – In a compelling all-American quarterfinal clash at the Australian Open on Wednesday, Jessica Pegula advanced to her maiden semifinal at the season-opening major with a straight-sets victory over compatriot Amanda Anisimova, 6-2, 7-6 (7-1). The win not only marked Pegula’s eighth consecutive victory over an American at a Grand Slam but also ended Anisimova’s bid for a third consecutive major final appearance.

From the outset, the sixth-seeded Pegula displayed clinical precision, breaking Anisimova’s serve immediately in the first game and establishing a commanding 4-1 lead. Pegula’s consistent baseline hitting and tactical awareness proved too much for Anisimova, who struggled with 7 double faults and 28 unforced errors throughout the match. The first set concluded swiftly in Pegula’s favor, 6-2, setting a dominant tone for the encounter.

The second set presented a tougher challenge as the fourth-seeded Anisimova, a runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, found her rhythm and the games remained on serve for much of the set. Anisimova showed resilience, breaking Pegula and serving for the set at 5-3, but Pegula broke right back to level the score. The set ultimately went to a tiebreaker, where Pegula’s experience shone through as she quickly ran away with it, securing a 7-1 victory in the breaker to seal the match.

With this decisive win, Pegula has now successfully navigated past three American opponents in the tournament, including the defending champion Madison Keys in the previous round. Having reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne three times previously without progressing further, this breakthrough victory is a significant milestone in her quest for an elusive Grand Slam title. Pegula, who reached the US Open final in 2024, will now face the fifth seed Elena Rybakina in the semifinals.

This performance underlines Pegula’s growing stature as a genuine contender for major honors, demonstrating her ability to handle pressure and execute her strategy against top-ranked players. The all-American narrative continues to be a major storyline at this year’s Australian Open, highlighting the depth of talent in American women’s tennis. Anisimova, despite the loss, can take pride in her first-ever Australian Open quarterfinal appearance and her impressive return to competitive tennis after a mental health break.

Pegula’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by determination and consistent play. Her next match against Rybakina promises another thrilling encounter as she aims to make her first Grand Slam final outside of New York. Fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next for the American star as she eyes the ultimate prize in Melbourne.