Jessica Pegula brought a swift end to Madison Keys’ Australian Open title defense Monday, January 26, delivering a clinical 6-3, 6-4 victory to move into the quarterfinals. The win underlined Pegula’s consistency in Melbourne and sent her through to the last eight for the fourth time.

Keys, the defending champion, was unable to find sustained momentum as Pegula dictated play from the baseline and controlled the key moments. The loss ended Keys’ hopes of a repeat title but came with perspective after her breakthrough Grand Slam triumph a year ago.

Pegula, seeded sixth, now advances to an all-American quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova. It marks another opportunity for Pegula to push past a stage that has previously halted her Australian Open campaigns.

Perspective after the title defense

Keys said losing as a defending champion carried less emotional weight than earlier defeats in her career. Having already secured her first Grand Slam title, she noted that balance is essential during a season that spans nearly the entire year.

The ninth-seeded Keys also voiced her support for Pegula, describing her close friend as confident and settled in her game. The two regularly train, travel, and co-host a podcast together, making their matchup as familiar as it was competitive.

Familiar faces, professional stakes

Pegula said playing close friends on tour has become routine given how often players share flights, hotels, and practice courts. That familiarity, she explained, creates an unusual mix of comfort and competitiveness when matches carry high stakes.

Their meeting also included a lighthearted wager made on their podcast before the match. With the loss, Keys must eat a slice of apple pie topped with cheese, an idea she admitted sounded unappealing.

Pegula, meanwhile, avoided wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, a condition she said would have been impossible to stomach given her family’s ownership of the Buffalo Bills. She added that recent postseason losses to Kansas City only reinforced her relief at winning the bet.