Pegula defeats Anisimova to reach first Australian Open semifinal

Pegula defeats Anisimova to reach first Australian Open semifinal

Jessica Pegula Australian Open semi-final qualification was confirmed after a quarter-final victory at the 2026 tournament. The American defeated fellow American Amanda Anisimova at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Pegula won the match in straight sets, 6–2, 7–6 (7–1). The result secured her first semi-final appearance at the Australian Open.

Jessica Pegula Australian Open Semi-Final Match Details

The opening set saw Pegula take early control. She broke Anisimova’s serve and held consistently. Pegula closed the first set 6–2. The second set was more balanced. Both players held serve through multiple games. The set moved into a tiebreak. Pegula dominated the tiebreak, winning 7–1 to finish the match.

Pegula was seeded sixth in the tournament. Anisimova entered the match as the fourth seed. Anisimova was unable to convert key break-point chances late in the second set. Pegula committed fewer unforced errors during the decisive moments.

Jessica Pegula Australian Open Semi-Final Significance

This win marked Pegula’s first time reaching the Australian Open semi-final. In previous editions, she had been eliminated at the quarter-final stage. Her 2026 run included several straight-set victories earlier in the tournament. She also defeated the defending champion in the fourth round.

The result placed Pegula among the final four players in the women’s singles draw. Her performance continued her consistent record at Grand Slam events, where she has reached multiple quarter-finals in recent seasons.

Road Ahead After Jessica Pegula Australian Open Semi-Final Qualification

Following the quarter-final win, Pegula advanced to face Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals. Rybakina reached the last four after defeating Iga Swiatek in straight sets. The semi-final match will determine who advances to the Australian Open final.

The Australian Open 2026 women’s singles semi-finals are scheduled later in the tournament. Pegula’s progression represents a new career milestone at Melbourne Park.

Source: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/australian-open-2026-jessica-pegula-beats-amanda-anisimova-to-book-maiden-semi-final-spot