Melbourne, Jan 27: American tennis player Jessica Pegula has eliminated the defending champion, Madison Keys, from the 2026 Australian Open. Pegula defeated Keys 6‑3, 6‑4 in the fourth round at Rod Laver Arena to reach the quarter‑finals.Pegula, the sixth seed, dominated the match from the start and used steady serving and smart play to take control. Keys, who won the title in 2025, struggled with errors and could not find a way back into the contest.
With the win, Pegula will face fellow American Amanda Anisimova in the quarter‑finals. This result also means four American women have reached the last eight in the women’s singles draw — a strong showing for the U.S. at Melbourne Park.
Keys exited the tournament with her title defence ended, but she received praise for her effort under pressure. Pegula, meanwhile, continues her run as she chases her first Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile, several matches at the 2026 Australian Open were postponed because of extreme heat as temperatures at Melbourne Park soared to about 40°C (104°F). Tournament officials activated the Extreme Heat Protocol, which led to the suspension of play on outdoor courts to protect players and others at the event.
Under this heat policy, officials can stop or delay matches when conditions become dangerous. On the hottest days, scheduled matches on outside courts were halted or moved, and the roofs were closed on main stadiums like Rod Laver Arena so play would continue in cooler conditions.
The extreme heat also affected wheelchair matches, which were postponed to a later day, as well as practice sessions on open courts. Organisers urged players, staff and fans to stay hydrated and take precautions in the intense sun.
Officials said the safety of players and spectators is a priority, and postponing matches in extreme weather is part of maintaining fair and healthy competition during the Grand Slam tournament.