Jessica Pegula Targets Australian Open Breakthrough Amid Physical Concerns
MELBOURNE, January 18, 2026 – World No. 6 Jessica Pegula begins her 2026 Australian Open campaign on Monday, seeking her first Grand Slam title while managing physical limitations from a disrupted preseason. The American, a three-time quarterfinalist in Melbourne, enters the tournament after a semifinal run in Brisbane and a subsequent withdrawal from Adelaide to prioritize recovery.
Recent Form and Brisbane Performance
The 31-year-old Pegula started her season at the Brisbane International, where she reached the semifinals before falling to Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-0, 6-3 on January 14. Her path included three-set victories over Anna Kalinskaya (6-2, 2-6, 6-4) and Dayana Yastremska (5-7, 6-2, 6-3), followed by a straight-sets win against Liudmila Samsonova (6-3, 7-6(3)). The tournament served as a physical test for Pegula, who acknowledged entering Brisbane not at “100%” fitness.
Physical Concerns and Schedule Adjustment
Citing “a bit of few nagging, small injuries” during the offseason, Pegula made the strategic decision to withdraw from the Adelaide International to focus on Australian Open preparation. “I didn’t have the best preseason due to several injuries,” Pegula explained. “Playing four matches in four days was a bit like a shock to my body… I didn’t want to push myself over the edge.” The American has spent the week in Melbourne practicing and recovering, expressing optimism about her current condition.
Australian Open Draw and Path Forward
Pegula, seeded sixth, opens her tournament against Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova (world No. 103) on January 19 at John Cain Arena. A potential fourth-round clash looms with defending champion and compatriot Madison Keys, followed by a possible quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova. Pegula holds a 3-0 career advantage over Anisimova, though they haven’t met since August 2024.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | World No. 6 (WTA) |
| 2026 Record | 3-1 (Reached Brisbane SF) |
| Australian Open Best | Quarterfinals (2021, 2022, 2023) |
| Career Titles | 10 WTA Tour Titles |
| Career Earnings | $17,945,524 |
| Head-to-Head vs. Sabalenka | 3-9 (Lost 2024 US Open Final) |
Career Context and Grand Slam Pursuit
Pegula remains one of the WTA Tour’s most consistent performers without a major championship. Her closest attempt came at the 2024 US Open, where she reached her first Grand Slam final before falling to Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 7-5. The American has identified beating the world No. 1 on the sport’s biggest stages as a key goal for 2026. “I work hard to be able to beat Sabalenka on the big courts,” Pegula stated during her pre-tournament press conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Jessica Pegula play her first match at the 2026 Australian Open?
Pegula is scheduled to face Anastasia Zakharova in the first round on Monday, January 19, 2026, at John Cain Arena. The match is set for an evening session start.
Why did Pegula withdraw from the Adelaide International?
Pegula withdrew as a precautionary measure due to several minor injuries that affected her preseason preparation. She described playing four matches in four days in Brisbane as a “physical shock” and opted for additional recovery time in Melbourne instead.
What is Pegula’s best result at the Australian Open?
Her best result is the quarterfinals, which she reached in three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023). She has not advanced past the fourth round since 2023.
Who are Pegula’s potential tough opponents in her draw quarter?
Her section includes defending champion Madison Keys (potential Round of 16) and 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova (potential quarterfinal). The top half of the draw is headed by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.