At the Australian Open on Monday, January 26, 2026, Amanda Anisimova defeated Wang Xinyu in the fourth round, while Jessica Pegula ended Madison Keys' title defense.
Anisimova Advances to Quarterfinals
In a compelling fourth-round match, Amanda Anisimova, the world No. 4, overcame Wang Xinyu with a score of 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. Anisimova's victory propels her into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. The first set was a hard-fought battle, ultimately decided by a tie-breaker where Anisimova prevailed 7-4. Anisimova asserted her dominance in the second set, securing a 6-4 victory and solidifying her place in the top eight. Anisimova is set to face Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.
Pegula Dethrones Defending Champion Keys
Jessica Pegula delivered a commanding performance against her fellow American and defending champion, Madison Keys. Pegula, the No. 6 seed, defeated Keys, the No. 9 seed, in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, in 1 hour and 18 minutes. This victory marks Pegula's fourth time reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. Pegula broke Keys' serve four times and returned more than 70% of Keys' serves. Pegula made only 13 unforced errors, while Keys struggled with 28. Pegula established an early lead in both sets, breaking Keys' serve in the second game of the first set to go up 3-0. Keys attempted a comeback, but Pegula held her nerve to secure the first set. Pegula again broke early in the second set, maintaining her dominance and ultimately closing out the match.
The match between Keys and Pegula was historic as the first Grand Slam singles match between two podcast co-hosts. Keys and Pegula, who co-host "The Player's Box" podcast with Jennifer Brady and Desirae Krawczyk, have a friendship that spans nearly two decades. Despite their close relationship, both players competed fiercely. The match concluded with Keys' 14th unforced error, a forehand that sailed long, prompting a rare display of emotion from Pegula. However, any sense of rivalry quickly dissolved as the two embraced warmly at the net, underscoring their deep bond.
With Pegula's victory over Keys and Anisimova's win against Wang, the stage is set for an all-American quarter-final clash between Pegula and Anisimova. This ensures that an American player will advance to the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
