Jessica Pegula is set to take on Elena Rybakina in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open, a significant step in her quest for a first Grand Slam title. Pegula advanced by defeating Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals, showcasing her talent and determination. Rybakina, on the other hand, earned her place in the semifinals by eliminating No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek in a surprising upset.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled to start after 5 a.m. ET on Thursday, January 29, 2026, following the conclusion of the other semifinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN Unlimited or on cable via ESPN, with a re-broadcast scheduled for later that afternoon on ESPN2.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream the entire Australian Open tournament through ESPN’s revamped streaming service or through various cable providers. The event continues to impress with its competitive spirit and the emergence of remarkable talents like Pegula and Rybakina.
The 2026 Australian Open also boasts a generous prize pool, with each singles winner taking home $4.15 million, highlighting the tournament’s prestige and the level of excellence it attracts. As anticipation builds for the semifinals, fans are eager to see whether Pegula can reach her goal of claiming a Grand Slam title against a formidable opponent like Rybakina.
With both players demonstrating impressive skills throughout the tournament, this match promises to be an exhilarating encounter for tennis fans around the globe.