World number six Jessica Pegula has graciously accepted a sincere apology from her upcoming Australian Open opponent, Amanda Anisimova, following a light-hearted but public accusation that she is the player most prone to ignoring text messages. The incident occurred during a recent Tennis Channel quiz segment, casting a humorous spotlight on the off-court dynamics between the elite athletes.
The Quiz Controversy and Immediate Apology
Prior to last year's WTA Finals, a quiz question asked players to identify which colleague was most likely to leave messages on read. Pegula, the 31-year-old American set to inherit a staggering family fortune estimated at £5.5 billion, was singled out by three of her peers: Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Amanda Anisimova. This collective nomination playfully branded Pegula with the unflattering tag of a serial message ignorer within the tour's inner circle.
Anisimova, aged 24, later explained her reasoning, suggesting Pegula's hectic off-court commitments as the 2024 US Open runner-up might contribute to delayed responses. However, the young star swiftly felt remorse for her public call-out. "Amanda apologised, she messaged me, 'I'm so sorry, I was just so tired. I didn't mean to call you out like that,'" Pegula revealed, adopting a characteristically relaxed stance towards the entire affair. "I was like dude, it's not that serious."
Pegula's Nonchalant Response and Gauff's Amusing Testimony
Reflecting on the quiz results after her victory over Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals, Pegula displayed remarkable equanimity. "I mean Iga even. I'm like, I respond. That's not right," she remarked, before confirming Anisimova's apology had been accepted. "I don't really care. Coco wasn't wrong. She said she'll let it go in 2026 though."
Gauff, who shares a close friendship with Pegula, provided amusing yet pointed testimony during the quiz. "Jess. I mean, she has like a million times," Gauff stated. "We've been supposed to go to the movies so many times and every time I'm like, 'Let me know when you're free' and then she goes and sees the movie without me. But she is the one who initiated the movie and hangout in the first place. So, Jess. A 100%." This anecdote highlighted the playful camaraderie and minor frustrations that exist among top competitors on the women's tour.
Quarter-Final Showdown in Melbourne
Now, the narrative shifts from text message etiquette to on-court battle, as Anisimova and Pegula are poised to face each other in Wednesday's Australian Open quarter-finals. This match represents uncharted territory for both players, as neither has previously reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park. Each has enjoyed an impressively dominant run through the tournament so far, not dropping a single set en route to the last eight.
Pegula holds a distinct psychological and historical advantage, boasting a perfect 3-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. Their last meeting dates back to 2024, setting the stage for a highly anticipated reunion. After defeating Wang Xinyu to secure her quarter-final berth, Anisimova reflected on the upcoming clash with characteristic sportsmanship. "It is going to be fun. Sucks that one American has to go out in the quarter-finals, but Jess is such a good player, so I'm sure it will be a battle," she said.
Anticipation for a Competitive Encounter
Anisimova further elaborated on the competitive nature of their past encounters, expressing respect for Pegula's game. "We've always had some great matches. She's such a great player, I really like her game," she acknowledged. "I'm sure it's going to be a tough battle again. We always really go for our shots when we play against each other. I feel like we always have really long rallies. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully, I can bring my best game."
This quarter-final promises not only high-stakes tennis but also a fascinating subplot of recent off-court banter and reconciliation. Fans can watch all the action from the Australian Open live on TNT Sports, as these two American stars compete for a coveted place in the semi-finals, with their friendly apology now adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
