Adelaide International 2025 Final preview: Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys in All-American title showdown
WTA
The finalists for the WTA 500 Adelaide International have been decided: former Grand Slam finalists Jessica Pegula, the top seed, and world No. 20 Madison Keys will battle for the year’s first title.
World No. 7 Pegula hadn’t competed since withdrawing from the WTA Finals in early November after playing two matches and skipping her final round-robin encounter, where she had no chance of advancing. Upon arriving in Adelaide, Pegula shared that she took some time to recover and now feels ready for competition.
As the top seed, Pegula advanced smoothly through the tournament. She delivered a flawless opening-round victory over Maria Sakkari (No. 31), followed by defeating Ashlyn Krueger (No. 51), who retired due to injury at 4-6, 0-2. In the semi-finals, Pegula showcased her form by defeating Yulia Putintseva (No. 25). The American hasn't dropped a set, securing 10 breaks while being broken just three times.
Keys navigated a tough path to the semi-finals, overcoming Beatriz Haddad Maia (No. 16), Jelena Ostapenko (No. 17), and Daria Kasatkina (No. 9). In the semis, she faced an inspired Liudmila Samsonova (No. 26), who led much of the match. However, Samsonova’s physical struggles allowed Keys to mount a comeback and advance after her opponent retired in the third set (5-7, 7-5, 3-0, ret.).
Despite their long careers and near-identical ages—Pegula, 30, and Keys, 29—the two Americans have only faced off twice, each winning once. Pegula triumphed at the 2022 San Diego Open, while Keys claimed victory in the 2023 US Open fourth round.
This marks Keys’ 14th career final (8 titles, 5 runner-ups) as she seeks her seventh WTA 500 title. Meanwhile, Pegula reaches her 15th final (6 titles, 8 runner-ups) and aims to put recent final losses at the Cincinnati Open and US Open, both against Aryna Sabalenka, behind her.
Always friends, now finalists 🤗
— wta (@WTA) January 10, 2025
It’s an all-American showdown in #AdelaideTennis!
Presented by @CorpayFX pic.twitter.com/ooczSYDOb0
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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