Pegula Breaks Australian Open Barrier

Jessica Pegula finally cracked her Melbourne hoodoo, beating fellow American Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6(1) to reach her first Australian Open semifinal.

The world No. 6 delivered a composed, authoritative performance at Rod Laver Arena, advancing to the last four of a Grand Slam for the third time in her career and first outside the US Open. Pegula dominated the opening set before holding firm in a tense second, overpowering Anisimova in the tiebreak.

She became the first American woman in over 30 years to beat three compatriots at a single Australian Open. Pegula next faces Elena Rybakina.