Jessica Pegula felt 'nervous' and 'weird' ahead of post Australian Open return with emphatic San Diego Open win over Jule Niemeier

Jessica Pegula won in her first match since the Australian Open as she defeated Jule Niemeier in straight sets at the San Diego Open.

After winning the first set to love, Pegula cruised through to the quarter finals despite a mini-resurgence from qualifier Niemeier. "I knew I was going to be a little nervous and things were going to be weird," Pegula said post-match.

"But then I came out playing really well and I don’t think she was playing her best.

"I know she’s the type of player where she can make some really good shots. She has a lot of power and she’s super crafty. I definitely thought if I gave her any chance, she was going to try to make a run there at the end."

Before the tournament began it was announced Pegula would be working with Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein after she parted ways with long-time coach David Witt.

The number one seed will face Anna Blinkova or Dayana Yastremska in the last eight.