Pegula Triumphs Over Keys in Bet-Backed Clash

Jessica Pegula defeated her close friend Madison Keys in a fourth-round Australian Open clash, ending Keys’ title defence and winning a quirky bet involving apple pie topped with cheddar cheese.

Pegula needed just 78 minutes to secure a 6-3, 6-4 victory on Rod Laver Arena, despite Keys hitting 26 winners—more than Pegula—but committing 28 unforced errors. The win sets Pegula up for a quarter-final against fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who beat China’s Xinyu Wang 7-6(4), 6-4 earlier on Monday.

The playful wager had Keys agreeing to try a traditional Pegula family Thanksgiving treat—apple pie with melted cheddar—while Pegula avoided wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, as she would have had the outcome been reversed. Both players shared laughs post-match, highlighting their friendship despite the high-stakes contest.

Keys, last year’s Melbourne Park champion, said she was proud of her performance under the pressure of defending her title. Meanwhile, the tournament continues to showcase strong American representation, with Pegula, Anisimova, Coco Gauff, and Iva Jovic all reaching the women’s quarter-finals—a first for the US since 2001.

In other action, Elena Rybakina overpowered Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3 to reach her first Australian Open quarter-final since 2023, and will face either second seed Iga Swiatek or Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.