Jessica Pegula played a strong match to defeat defending champion Madison Keys 6-3, 6-4 and enter the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the fourth time. Pegula started very well and kept control of the game, even when Keys tried to fight back. The two players are close friends and also host a podcast together. Pegula was extra motivated because of a friendly bet between them, which she won and avoided wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey.
Keys made many mistakes, including 28 unforced errors and six double faults. Still, she said she was proud of her performance as defending champion. Pegula, who has not lost a set so far, will now face fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who also won her match in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals.
