Buffalo’s Jessica Pegula eliminated defending champion Madison Keys from the Australian Open with a decisive 6-3, 6-4 victory on January 29, 2024. This win propels Pegula into the quarterfinals, where she will face fellow American Amanda Anisimova. The outcome marks a significant moment in American tennis, with four players reaching the women’s singles quarterfinals for the first time since 2001.
The success of the American women at this year’s tournament has drawn attention, with Pegula stating, “At least one of us will get through, and I think that’s great for American tennis.” Meanwhile, Anisimova expressed a bittersweet sentiment, saying, “Sucks that one American has to go out in the quarterfinals.” Pegula and Anisimova advanced after Coco Gauff and Iva Jovic secured their places on the other side of the draw.
Pegula’s Dominance in the Fourth Round
Pegula’s victory over Keys ended the latter’s first Grand Slam title defense in a challenging section of the draw. Pegula’s performance at Rod Laver Arena was characterized by strong play, allowing her to establish early leads in both sets. “I felt if I didn’t hit a really good ball immediately, she was in charge of the points,” Keys remarked post-match, acknowledging Pegula’s control on the court.
This marks Pegula’s fourth appearance in the quarterfinals in Australia, yet she has yet to advance further in this major tournament. In contrast, Anisimova reached the last eight at the Australian Open for the first time. She triumphed over Wang Xinyu with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-4, despite challenging heat conditions.
Anisimova commented on her match, stating, “What a battle out there. Tough conditions against a really good opponent. There were a lot of fans from China today, but honestly, it made the atmosphere great.”
Other Highlights from Day 9
In the men’s singles, two Italian players advanced, including two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, who defeated compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (2). Sinner, who previously struggled with heat and cramping in earlier rounds, showcased his resilience with an impressive performance, serving a personal best of 19 aces.
Lorenzo Musetti also made headlines by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in Australia, overcoming Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. Musetti’s journey has been marked by personal challenges, as he balances his professional commitments with family responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Iga Świątek continued her pursuit of a career Grand Slam, dominating home qualifier Maddison Inglis with a 6-0, 6-3 win. She will next face Elena Rybakina, who was the runner-up at the 2023 Australian Open.
As the tournament progresses, players face increasing challenges, with temperatures forecasted to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) on January 30. Tournament organizers are prepared to open the gates early for fans and anticipate that matches on the three arena courts will require the retractable roof to be closed for player safety.
The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling matches and significant milestones, reflecting the evolving landscape of international tennis and the emergence of new talents.
