Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula will continue the trend of all-American clashes at the Australian Open when they meet in the quarterfinals.
Anisimova beat fellow American Peyton Stearns in the third round of the Grand Slam, while Pegula has just knocked out Madison Keys.
Coco Gauff loves the state of American women’s tennis right now, with the WTA number three also into the Australian Open quarterfinals.
But another American will now drop out of the tournament when Anisimova and Pegula play for a semifinal spot.
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Amanda Anisimova ready for ‘tough battle’ against Jessica Pegula
Pegula boasts a 3-0 head-to-head record against her compatriot, which Anisimova has now discussed ahead of their next reunion on the court.
She said after knocking out Wang Xinyu: “Yeah, I mean, we’ve always had some great matches. It’s funny enough, I played her twice in the exhibitions in the pre-season.
“But yeah, I mean, she’s such a great player. I really like her game. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough battle again. We always, you know, really go for our shots when we play against each other.
“I feel like we always have really long rallies. Yeah, she’s a very stable player. Really looking forward to it. Hopefully I can bring my best game.”
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Amanda Anisimova motivated by winless run vs Jessica Pegula
Despite the unfavorable match-up, it is Anisimova who has enjoyed more success between the duo at Grand Slam level.
Pegula reached the 2024 US Open final, while Anisimova reached the final in New York the following year, along with the 2025 Wimbledon final.
The latter has, however, failed to get anything from the former so far, and has now shared why she thinks that has been the case.
Anisimova said: “I mean, I know her game pretty well now. I would say it’s just the fact that she gets a lot of balls back.
“Yeah, she can challenge any of the top players. She’s obviously at the top for a reason. But yeah, I mean, I feel like I always have a chance against anyone.
“It’s not really… in my head, I feel like every match is new and different. Yeah, I think the fact that I’ve never beaten her before is an extra challenge for me.”
Importantly, it has been some time since the duo met, with Pegula winning their 2024 Charleston and Toronto ties after doing the same at Cincinnati in 2020.
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