Australian Open: Jessica Pegula knocks 2025 champion out; Sinner, Djokovic in Quarters

MELBOURNE: Jessica Pegula knocked podcast pal and defending champion Madison Keys out of the Australian Open on Monday and moved into a quarterfinal against Amanda Anisimova, another all-American match.

Their fourth-round wins on Day 9 meant four Americans reached the women’s singles quarters in Australia for the first time since 2001, when Serena and Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport made it to the last 8.

“Sucks that one American has to go out in the quarterfinals,” Anisimova said. Pegula had a slightly different view: “At least one of us will get through, and I think that’s great for American tennis.”


Pegula’s 6-3, 6-4 win at Rod Laver Arena ended Keys’ first Grand Slam title defence in a tough section of the draw. Anisimova, runner-up at the last two majors in Wimbledon and the US Open, advanced 7-6 (4), 6-4 over Wang Xinyu as the temperature started rising at Melbourne Park, and organizers triggered the heat stress policy which allowed for extra cooling breaks.

SINNER EXTENDS STREAK TO 18
Jannik Sinner wasn’t shaky or lucky to survive this time and the only thing really hot on Monday was his streak, which now stands at 18 straight wins. The two-time defending champion had a 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (2) win over fellow Italian Luciano Darderi to reach the quarterfinals for a ninth consecutive Grand Slam event.

Sinner struggled two days previously with the Spizzirri, when he only took control after the roof was closed.“I felt quite good out there physically. Everything was okay today,” said Sinner, who had limited practice on his off day between his third and fourth-round matches. “Let’s see what’s coming in the next round.”

It’ll be a familiar foe—No 8-seeded Ben Shelton beat No 12 Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic was scheduled for the late-night slot at Rod Laver Arena but ended up with a walkover into the quarters when Jakub Mensik withdrew injured from their fourth-round match.