Jessica Pegula showed her class against Elise Mertens, securing a comfortable win of 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the Australian Open. The World No. 6 continues to be in excellent form, extending her 2025 record to 6-1 and advancing to the Round of 32 in the first Grand Slam of the year, surpassing her performance in the previous edition.
The American No. 2 continues to impress, completing a difficult challenge against the Belgian, a player accustomed to being seeded at Grand Slams for the past five years. However, it wasn’t much of a problem for Pegula. In the third round, she will face talented Serbian Olga Danilovic (No. 55), who stunned 25th seed Liudmila Samsonova in the second round with an incredible 6-1, 6-2 scoreline.
Pegula stays in top form, breezes past Mertens
In the first round, Pegula had comfortably defeated Maya Joint 6-3, 6-0, but that wasn’t much of a measure of her form in Melbourne, considering Joint was playing her second-ever main draw of a Grand Slam at just 18 years old.
This time, Pegula was up against an experienced player like Mertens, a former World No. 13. The American maintained an impressive first-set serving performance, winning 72% of points on her first serve and 71% on her second. Breaks came consecutively in the 5th and 6th games, keeping the score level, but Pegula took advantage with a second consecutive break. After taking the lead, Pegula held her serve and clinched the first set 6-4 after 36 minutes.
In the second set, it was clear Pegula was taking charge and Mertens was losing her effectiveness on first serve, dropping from 73% to just 46%. The World No. 6 took the initiative and secured an early break in the third game. From there, the dominance was all on the American’s side, who got another break and was up 5-2 with her serve.
In the closing game, Mertens appeared to have a second wind, saving two match points and creating a few break opportunities. However, Pegula finished off Mertens' hopes with powerful first serves and closed the match 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour and 12 minutes. With this, the American became the first top-10 player to reach the third round.
Just another day at the office for Jessica Pegula! pic.twitter.com/w9gAYwhyK1
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 15, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
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- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
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- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
