Zakharova Faces Daunting Australian Open Opener Against Pegula
MELBOURNE, 19 January 2026 – Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova faces the toughest of assignments in her Australian Open main draw debut, squaring off against world No. 6 and tournament sixth seed Jessica Pegula in the first round at John Cain Arena tonight.
David vs Goliath Matchup
The 24-year-old Zakharova, currently ranked 103rd in the world, earned her place in the main draw through qualifying and now finds herself pitted against one of the tour’s most consistent hardcourt performers. This will be the first professional meeting between the two players, with Pegula entering as the overwhelming favourite given her experience and ranking.
Zakharova’s best Australian Open performance came in 2024 when she reached the third round, while she fell in qualifying last year. Pegula, meanwhile, is a three-time Australian Open quarter-finalist (2021-2023) and will be looking to improve on her third-round exit in 2025.
Player Form & Key Statistics
| Metric | Jessica Pegula (USA) | Anastasia Zakharova (RUS) |
|---|---|---|
| WTA Ranking | 6 | 103 |
| 2026 Win-Loss Record | 3-1 (All on hardcourt) | 0-1 (All on hardcourt) |
| Career Hardcourt Record | 289-139 | 144-73 |
| Best 2026 Result | Brisbane International semi-final | First round exit |
| Head-to-Head | First Meeting (0-0) | |
The Challenge for Zakharova
The Russian right-hander from Volgograd faces a monumental task against Pegula’s baseline consistency and powerful groundstrokes. Tournament analysis suggests Zakharova’s path to an upset could involve using her “exceptional dropshot touch” to disrupt Pegula’s rhythm and stepping inside the baseline on returns to take time away from the American.
Zakharova has shown promise at Challenger level with 16 titles (13 on hardcourt), but her WTA Tour record on hard surfaces stands at 9-19, highlighting the gulf in experience at this level.
Pegula’s Title Credentials
The 31-year-old American arrives in Melbourne after a solid start to 2026, reaching the semi-finals in Brisbane before falling to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula’s game is built around relentless depth and precision, with her keys to victory identified as keeping second serves deep and pressing forward to shorten rallies.
With a career win percentage of 64.4% (489-270) and over a decade of experience at Grand Slam level, Pegula will be expected to navigate this opening test efficiently as she builds momentum for a deep tournament run.
Tournament Context
The match is scheduled as part of the night session on John Cain Arena, with a start time of 9:00 pm local time. The winner will advance to face either Emiliana Arango or McCartney Kessler in the second round, with a potential fourth-round clash against defending champion Madison Keys looming in that section of the draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Pegula vs Zakharova start?
The match is scheduled for 9:00 pm AEDT on Monday 19 January 2026 on John Cain Arena.
Have Pegula and Zakharova played before?
No, this will be their first professional meeting on the WTA Tour.
What is Anastasia Zakharova’s career-high ranking?
Zakharova achieved a career-high ranking of No. 79 in September 2025.
How did Jessica Pegula perform at last year’s Australian Open?
Pegula was defeated in the third round in 2025 by Olga Danilović 7-6(3), 6-1.
What is the prize money for the Australian Open 2026?
The total prize pool for the 2026 Australian Open is A$111,500,000, with first-round losers in women’s singles receiving A$85,000.