Pegula Powers Past Zakharova, Sets Up All-American Clash in Melbourne
MELBOURNE, 22 January 2026 – American sixth seed Jessica Pegula has made a commanding start to her 2026 Australian Open campaign, dispatching Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets to book a second-round meeting with fellow American McCartney Kessler.
Dominant Start at Melbourne Park
Jessica Pegula required just one hour and six minutes on court at John Cain Arena to secure a 6-2, 6-1 victory over the 105th-ranked Zakharova. The 31-year-old was in clinical form, dropping only 11 points on her serve throughout the match and breaking her opponent’s serve six times. Pegula hit 20 winners to just 14 unforced errors in a performance she described as “pretty ideal”.
“When you get a good win and you play well, you just have to be happy about it, take it and move on,” Pegula said in her post-match interview.
Pegula’s Path and Preparation
The win continues a solid start to the season for Pegula, who reached the semi-finals of the Brisbane International the previous week. Her Melbourne preparation was deliberate, having withdrawn from the Adelaide International to manage what she described as “a bit of few nagging, small injuries” from the off-season.
“I ended up changing my schedule… giving myself some time to actually recover,” Pegula explained during the tournament’s media day. “I have been able to get a lot of really good practice in. So far, so good.”
Key Player Facts & Statistics
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current WTA Ranking | 6 |
| Career-High Ranking | 3 |
| Australian Open Best Result | Quarter-finals (2021, 2022, 2023) |
| Grand Slam Best Result | Finalist (2024 US Open) |
| 2026 Australian Open 1st Rd | Def. Anastasia Zakharova 6-2, 6-1 (66 mins) |
| Next Opponent (2nd Rd) | McCartney Kessler (USA, World No. 37) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Jessica Pegula play next at the Australian Open?
Pegula faces 37th-ranked American McCartney Kessler in the second round on 22 January. Pegula won their only previous meeting in straight sets at the 2025 Austin final.
What is Jessica Pegula’s record at the Australian Open?
Pegula has now progressed past the first round in Melbourne for six consecutive years. She has reached the quarter-finals on three occasions (2021, 2022, 2023) but is yet to advance further.