Jessica Pegula couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2026 Australian Open, defeating Anastasia Zakharova 6-2, 6-1 in 66 minutes to reach the second round in Melbourne.
Australian Open: Score | draw | order of play
After Monday’s opening match at John Cain Arena ended with the retirement of Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime, Pegula came to the rescue by treating fans to a clinical performance in which he dropped just 11 points on serve in the match (including just two points in the first set).
“The ideal situation just happened,” Pegula said in an on-court interview. “So that’s always a good thing. When the time comes, I’ll just accept it. I’ve seen a lot of really tough games over the last few days and I’m glad I’m not there yet.”
“Well, when you get a good win and play well, you have to be willing to accept it and move on.”
The numbers back up Pegula’s assessment.
- First come first served ratio: 62%
- Points earned on first-come, first-served service: 78%
- Second serve points earned: 64%
- Winners: 20
- Unforced errors: 14
- Breakpoint gained: 6/15
Pegula started her Grand Slam season with an immediate break, setting the tone for a match in which Zakharova had break points in all eight of her service games.
Zakharova, ranked 105th in the PIF WTA rankings, managed to fend off Pegula in two service games in the first set. Leading 5-1, she saved three set points in a five-deuce game. That included a highlight rally in which Pegula hooked the ball near the post to preserve the point, and Zakharova calmly slotted a winner into the open court.
However, Pegula closed out the set in the next game and never looked back, dropping only one game remaining before clinching the victory with a backhand rope down the line.
The win advances her to the round of 64, where she will face compatriot and doubles partner McCartney Kessler. Pegula defeated Kessler in straight sets in last year’s Austin final and leads the match 1-0.