Jessica Pegula moves on: Overcomes Anisimova to secure a place in the Australian Open semis

Jessica Pegula returns to the semifinals of a Grand Slam for third time in her career, after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6(1) in a tight quarterfinal match at the Australian Open. The world No. 6 came back from a break down in the second set to secure a quick victory that puts her among the final four in Melbourne.

Pegula had previously reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne three times (2021-2023), but had always fallen at that stage. This time, Pegula took a step forward to reach a Grand Slam semifinal for the third time in her career, and for the first time outside the USA.

Anisimova showed consistency throughout the tournament, but it was not enough to go for another Grand Slam final – after reaching consecutive finals at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025. Still, she has accumulated 16 wins in her last 19 appearances at major tournaments.

The first set quickly began to tilt in favor of the experienced Pegula, who secured a break immediately and took advantage of her rival appearing somewhat disconnected at the start. Anisimova managed to hold her next service game, but Pegula quickly pulled ahead on the scoreboard, taking a double break in the fifth game.

The 31-year-old advanced to 5-1 thanks to strong service games, and although Anisimova managed to reduce the deficit, it was not enough to challenge Pegula, who comfortably took the set 6-2. Unforced errors were abundant on Anisimova’s side, and she was only winning 44% of points on her first serve – far below Pegula’s 85%.

The second set began with an erratic Anisimova, reminiscent of the 2025 Wimbledon final when she crumbled against Swiatek and could not even win a game. This time, Anisimova continued to accumulate unforced errors – six in total after losing her first service game, following 13 in the first set.

Anisimova managed to recover from a difficult start – saving three break points against her – and gradually began to find the rhythm of the match. She appeared determined to go for the break, although Pegula maintained composure to keep parity. Opportunities arrived for Anisimova in the eighth game, when she advanced 5-3 after converting her first break point. However, the world No. 4 failed, and Pegula recovered the break in the following game.

From that point on, Pegula strung together three consecutive games – including two breaks – allowing her to serve for the victory at 6-5. However, the pressure of the moment affected her, and Anisimova once again broke back, sending the set to a tie-break.

This time, it was absolute domination from Pegula. Anisimova won the first service point, but that was her last in the set, as Pegula won the next seven points consecutively, securing the victory 6-1, 7-6(1), advancing to the semifinals without dropping a set.

In pursuit of a place in the final, Pegula will face world No. 5 Elena Rybakina – who comes off a win against Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals and has also not dropped a set in the tournament. On the other side, Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina will define the other finalist at the Australian Open, which now has only four players remaining in the draw.