Jessica Pegula vs Elena Rybakina Prediction & Picks - WTA Australian Open

Prediction published on 1/29/26, 1:37 AM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 1/29/26 at 7:10 AM in Tennis Picks

Elena Rybakina has once again demonstrated at the Australian Open that when she is confident and in the right frame of mind, the Kazakhstani is a contender for victory in any tournament she competes in. Winner of the WTA Finals last November, the world number five has been playing her best tennis since arriving in Melbourne. After a relatively quiet first week, Elena Rybakina raised her game when the going got tough. First, she knocked out Belgium's Elise Mertens in the round of 16 (6-1, 6-3), then dominated the world No. 2, Poland's Iga Swiatek (6-1, 7-6), again after a successful performance. A finalist three years ago in Melbourne, Elena Rybakina will try to return in 2026.

Jessica Pegula hopes to reach the Australian Open final on Saturday. The American finished 2025 on a high note and, after her US Open final last September, the Buffalo native dreams of reaching another Grand Slam final, which will require a strong performance on Thursday in Melbourne. The world No. 6 has been impressive during the fortnight, particularly in the second week, where she got the better of her compatriots Madison Keys (6-3, 6-4) and Amanda Anisimova (6-2, 7-6). Jessica Pegula has been calm and collected, reaching a psychological milestone in recent months, and a final at the end of the week would confirm all the good form the American has shown since 2025.