Jessica Pegula vs Victoria Azarenka Prediction: Pesky Pegula takes of Adroit Azarenka

Professional tennis is a tricky scene as we witness a large number of games each month. While every tournament has a big role, Grand Slams have their own allure, bringing more attention than an average tournament. These Slams have been around for hundreds of years and their historic value is just too high. In this Grand Slam game during the Australian Open, Jessica Pegula takes on Victoria Azarenka in the Quarter-Final.

Pegula comes into the match after completing an impressive 7-5, 6-2 win against Barbora Krejcikova in the Fourth Round. Pegula’s usually on-point service game was off as she had a 37-43 service points disadvantage. However, Pegula turned it around in the second set, both breaking Krejcikova’s serve and correcting the service points, spelling out a decisive 44-20 receiving points advantage. Pegula has yet to lose a set and only twice has been forced to win seven games, including a tiebreaker. Pegula is yet to make it past the Quarter-Final during a Grand Slam. She had made it to the fourth Quarter Final in five games, making it to the third straight Australian Open Quarter-Final.

Azarenka comes into the contest after defeating Zhu Lin 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in what was an arresting affair. It was a quality game as both the athletes have a first serve percentage in the 70s. To bring the point home to how close it was, Azarenka had a 46-45 receiving points advantage while having a 57-54 service points edge. Victoria has been pushed to three sets in two straight match-ups. Her return game has been bailing her out but things are going to get trickier from here on against much more aggressive opponents. However, Victoria need not prove her mettle to anyone. She may have fallen into the 20s rankings but she already has captured two titles, both in Australian Open, while also reaching three Finals of the US Open.

Victoria and Jessica have met four times and these two are tied with two wins each. These two last met during Guadalajara Open where Pegula won 7-6, 6-1.

Jessica has been playing a tough brand of basketball and her game has expanded with each year. This is a great chance for her to break the Quarter-Final curse but Azarenka is as seasoned as it gets. Jessica has had some troubles with her service game but I feel that she will be much more focused here. I predict a straight-set win for Pegula here.