Mon Jan 26 03:10:00 UTC 2026: # Australian Open Day 9: Podcast Co-Hosts Clash, Swiatek Faces Unexpected Qualifier
The Story: Day 9 of the Australian Open promises significant developments in the women’s singles draw. All top four seeds in the bottom half are in action, including Iga Swiatek, who faces qualifier Maddison Inglis after Naomi Osaka withdrew due to injury. In a unique twist, podcast co-hosts Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys will compete in the fourth round, guaranteeing one American in the quarterfinals. Other notable matchups include Amanda Anisimova against Wang Xinyu, and Elena Rybakina facing Elise Mertens.
Key Points:
- Iga Swiatek faces qualifier Maddison Inglis after Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal.
- Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys, co-hosts of the “Players Box” podcast, will play each other in the fourth round.
- Five Americans are in the fourth round: Anisimova, Gauff, Jovic, Keys, and Pegula.
- Amanda Anisimova plays Wang Xinyu, aiming for her best-ever run in Melbourne.
- Elena Rybakina will face Elise Mertens.
- Keys holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against Pegula.
- Inglis is ranked No. 168 and reached the fourth round as a qualifier, the first Aussie to do so since 1985.
Key Takeaways:
- The bottom half of the women’s draw is highly competitive.
- Iga Swiatek’s path to the quarterfinals became less challenging with Osaka’s withdrawal but she must overcome a potentially fresh Inglis.
- The Pegula-Keys match adds an interesting narrative layer due to their podcasting partnership.
- American women are strongly represented in the later stages of the tournament.
- Amanda Anisimova is poised for a career-best performance in Melbourne.
First Piper 