Quick Read
- Jessica Pegula (No. 6 seed) defeated defending champion Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 at the Australian Open.
- Pegula will face fellow American Amanda Anisimova (No. 4 seed) in the quarterfinals.
- Four American women (Pegula, Anisimova, Coco Gauff, Iva Jovic) have reached the quarterfinals, a first since 2001.
- Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced in the men’s draw, extending his Melbourne Park winning streak to 18.
- Extreme heat protocol was activated on Monday, with Tuesday’s forecast predicting temperatures up to 113°F (45°C).
MELBOURNE (Azat TV) – Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open after defeating defending champion Madison Keys in straight sets on Monday. Her victory ensures a robust American presence in the women’s singles last eight, with four American players securing spots, a feat not seen since 2001.
Pegula’s decisive 6-3, 6-4 win at Rod Laver Arena ended Keys’ bid for a second consecutive Grand Slam title, setting up an all-American quarterfinal clash against fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova, who was a runner-up at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year, secured her spot with a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over Wang Xinyu amidst rising temperatures at Melbourne Park.
American Dominance in Women’s Draw
The progression of Pegula and Anisimova, alongside third-seeded Coco Gauff and 18-year-old Iva Jovic, marks a significant moment for American tennis. This is the first time since 2001 that four American women have reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, a year that saw legends like Serena and Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Monica Seles, and Lindsay Davenport among the contenders.
The American players expressed mixed feelings about facing each other. Anisimova noted, “Sucks that one American has to go out in the quarterfinals,” while Pegula offered a more optimistic view: “At least one of us will get through and I think that’s great for American tennis. I’m just happy to be a part of that conversation.”
Beyond the American contingent, the women’s draw continues to see top seeds perform strongly. Second-seeded Iga Świątek, pursuing a career Grand Slam, dispatched home qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3. Świątek is now slated to face fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who was the runner-up in Melbourne in 2023.
Men’s Contenders Advance Amidst Challenges
In the men’s singles, two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run, extending his winning streak at Melbourne Park to 18 matches. Sinner overcame compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (2) and will next face eighth-seeded Ben Shelton, who defeated Casper Ruud. Sinner has maintained an impressive record against Shelton, winning their last eight encounters, including last year’s semifinal at this event.
Fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti also made history, reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time in his career, thus completing a Grand Slam set of quarterfinal appearances. Musetti, who has navigated a disrupted tournament with personal challenges, defeated an ailing Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. His next formidable challenge will be against the rested 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, who received a walkover into the quarterfinals.
Heat Policy Activated as Temperatures Soar
The tournament has also contended with challenging weather conditions. On Monday, organizers triggered the extreme heat stress policy as temperatures rose at Melbourne Park, allowing for extra cooling breaks for players. With Tuesday’s forecast predicting a maximum temperature of 113°F (45°C), the tournament is preparing for even more intense conditions. Gates will open early for fans, and matches on Margaret Court Arena will begin at 11 a.m. local time, with Rod Laver Arena matches starting at 11:30 a.m., likely under a retractable roof.
The extreme heat protocol, in place since 2019, allows for various measures, including match suspensions, if a combination of air temperature, radiant heat, humidity, and wind speed crosses predefined thresholds. This ensures player safety remains a priority amidst the high-stakes competition.
The confluence of top-tier talent performing under challenging conditions, coupled with a historic showing from American women, underscores the intense competitive nature of this year’s Australian Open. The upcoming quarterfinal matchups promise compelling tennis as players vie for coveted semifinal berths.