One minute, Jessica Pegula was dismantling Madison Keys’ title defense with a clinical 6-3, 6-4 victory. The next, the ousted champion was promising her full support for Pegula as she heads into an all-American quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova.

Madison Keys is known as one of the strongest hitters on the WTA Tour, highlighted by her win at the 2025 Australian Open. She has 10 WTA titles and a Grand Slam victory, but her background also stands out.

Jessica Pegula won a friendly bet with podcast co-host Madison Keys following their match in the Australian Open.

An earlier start and hot weather were no worries for defending champion Madison Keys and her fellow American Jessica Pegula at the Australian Open

Madison Keys ended a sometimes agonizing decade of trying to win a Grand Slam singles title last year at the Australian Open. In the ensuing days, weeks and months, people of all stripes approached her to ask how the experience had changed her life.

Madison Keys surged into the third round with a commanding win over Ashlyn Krueger as American tennis shone in Melbourne, with Jessica Pegula also advancing by beating McCartney Kessler. Yet the post-match spotlight shifted as both Keys and Pegula followed Coco Gauff’s lead,