New York native Jessica Pegula's impressive run at the Australian Open has come to an end.
The daughter of Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula, has lost to fellow American Jen Brady and missed a spot in the Australian Open semifinals. She was defeated by No. 22 Jennifer Brady 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Wednesday in Melbourne.
Brady into Semis ..
— Abied (@fi_sonic) February 17, 2021
Jennifer Brady winning Quarterfinals match 46 62 61 v Jessica Pegula. #AusOpen (Getty) pic.twitter.com/s1nzBXwRrk
Pegula won the first set by 6-4 but couldn't keep the lead as she lost the next two sets 6-2, 6-1. Pegula defeated two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka and No. 5 seed Elina Svitolina to reach the quarterfinals against Brady. This was her first quarterfinal appearance in a Grand Slam. Her previous best record was reaching the third round in the 2020 U.S. Open.
"I have the level to play with the top players now, which I think is such a stepping stone because it's not that I haven't had bigger wins in the past, it's just the consistency I was able to put together."
Jessica said in a post-match interview.
Brady will now face Karolina Muchova in the semifinals while the other semifinal is between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.