Jessica Pegula Advances to Semifinals at Brisbane International
Brisbane, 10 January 2026 – American tennis star Jessica Pegula secured her place in the semifinals of the WTA 500 Brisbane International after defeating Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets on Friday. The 31-year-old, ranked sixth in the world, won 6-3, 7-6 (3) in one hour and 51 minutes, showcasing strong serving and return play.
Recent Performance in Brisbane
Pegula began her campaign with a three-set victory over Anna Kalinskaya in the second round, coming from behind to win 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. She then overcame Dayana Yastremska in the third round with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 comeback, before dispatching Samsonova. Her head-to-head record against Samsonova now stands at 5-2 in Pegula’s favour, with all three wins on hard courts.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current WTA Ranking | 6 (5583 points) |
| Career High Ranking | 3 |
| Prize Money (2026 Season) | A$4.6 million |
| Career Prize Money | A$19 million |
| Win Rate (Last 52 Weeks) | 70.5% (55-23) |
| Head-to-Head vs. Marta Kostyuk | 4-1 (next opponent) |
Upcoming Semifinal Match
Pegula will face Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals. Kostyuk, ranked 26th, has won her last three matches in Brisbane, including a victory over Mirra Andreeva. Pegula holds a 4-1 advantage in their previous encounters, with their last meeting resulting in a 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1 win for Pegula in Beijing in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jessica Pegula’s background?
Jessica Pegula, born on 24 February 1994 in Buffalo, New York, turned professional in 2012. She stands 170 cm tall, plays right-handed with a double-handed backhand, and is coached by David Witt. She is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
How has Pegula performed in Grand Slams?
Pegula has reached the semifinals of the US Open twice (2023 and 2024) and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open (2024). Her best Grand Slam result is a semifinal appearance.
What are Pegula’s career titles?
She has won 10 WTA titles, including seven on hard courts, two on grass, and one on clay. Notable wins include the 2023 Canadian Open and 2024 Cincinnati Open.