American Jessica Pegula dominated Anastasia Zakharova 6-2, 6-1 in just 66 minutes to open her 2026 Australian Open campaign. Pegula was clinical, dropping only 11 points on serve and securing 6 of 15 break opportunities. She never faced a break point in the match. Despite Zakharova saving three set points in a long game at 5-1, Pegula closed out the first set and cruised through the second. She will next face fellow American McCartney Kessler in the second round, whom she defeated in the 2025 Austin final.
Read More
Pegula makes quick work of Zakharova to reach second round in Melbourne
By mychabi2013
