The heat is turning on and the players are bringing out their best at the Australian Open. With the third round underway, the pressure is immense and the stakes are higher. And Jessica Pegula has nothing short of a title in her sights. After a runner-up title at the US Open, the American star is determined to take the winner’s glory this time. But, standing her way will be Serbia’s in-form Olga Danilovic. With the stake set for a thrilling encounter, who between the two will emerge on top?

Jessica Pegula vs Olga Danilovic: Preview

Jessica Pegula kicked off her 2025 season at the Adelaide International. As the top seed, she reached the WTA 500 final without losing a set but fell short in the title match against Madison Keys, who triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. At the Melbourne Major, Pegula started strong with a commanding 6-3, 6-0 win in the first round against Maya Joint. She followed it up with her first career victory over Elise Mertens, defeating the Belgian 6-4, 6-2. This marks an improvement from last year when Pegula exited in the second round.

On the other hand, her opponent, Olga Danilovic entered 2025 on a challenging note after her 2024 Guangzhou Open title win. She suffered a first-round exit at the Hobart International, losing 2-6, 3-6 to Maya Joint, who reached the semifinals. However, Danilovic rebounded strongly at the Melbourne major. She opened with a confident 6-4, 6-4 win against Arantxa Rus. The Serbian then delivered a stunning second-round performance, dismantling World No. 21 Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-2.

Pegula vs Danilovic: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head stats between the two players, the scores are level at 0-0 each. Thus, their encounter at the Australian Open will be the first time both players are professionally meeting each other. However, back in the day, they have faced each other once. That meeting came at the ITF USA 02A first round back in 2018 which Jessica Pegula won in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.

Prediction: Jessica Pegula to claim victory in a 3-setter

Jessica Pegula will enter the match with significant experience as she is already a three-time quarterfinalist in Melbourne. Her impressive runs to the semifinals and finals last year show her ability to perform under pressure. Pegula’s tactical acumen is another asset that allows her to adapt effectively against various opponents. Her consistency also sets her apart, as she rarely falters against lower-ranked players, using her steady baseline game to control rallies.

On the other hand, Olga Danilovic has momentum after some strong performances in late 2024 and an impressive straight-sets victory over Samsonova in the previous round. Her aggressive playing style, led by a powerful forehand, can trouble even top players. As an underdog, she brings a fearless mentality, swinging freely without the burden of expectations.

However, Pegula faces the challenge of living up to her reputation as a dominant player, which can create pressure in early rounds. On the other hand, Danilovic’s limited experience in deep Slam runs could be a disadvantage, especially against Pegula’s seasoned approach. Additionally, maintaining consistency throughout the match will be crucial for Danilovic, given Pegula’s reliable baseline game.

Prediction: Danilovic’s confidence and aggression make her a tough opponent, but Pegula’s experience, consistency, and tactical prowess should secure her the win in this encounter.