Madison Keys’ Australian Open title defence has come to an end, thwarted by Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16.
And whilst it will have been tough to see her campaign cut short so soon, to lose to a good friend must surely soften the blow.
Much of the chat before the match was lighthearted banter between the two, and they actually recorded an episode of their Players’ Box podcast to preview the clash.
One of the main talking points that emerged from it was the forfeits they would each have to do if they lost, with Keys refusing hers.
Madison Keys speaks after losing to Jessica Pegula at the Australian Open
If Pegula were to lose, she would have had to wear a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, made worse by the fact that she supports the Buffalo Bills, a famous rival of the former team.
Meanwhile, as Keys lost, she now has to eat Pegula’s homemade delicacy: apple pie with melted cheese on top.
Speaking after her defeat, Keys joked: “A bet is a bet, so I’ll do it. I hope it’s less gross than I think it’s going to be, but we will find out, I guess.”
Then asked about whether she thought Pegula could go all the way, Keys added: “No, I’m not going to say anything, because the last time we told Jess that she was going to do well, she didn’t do well, so she told us that we’re all banned from saying anything (smiling).
“I don’t think she needs any sort of pep talk from me. I think she’s very sure of her game and how she’s playing. We’ll just be cheering her on.”
Who will Jessica Pegula play next in the Australian Open?
Having beaten her fellow American in the Round of 16, Pegula will have to do so again for a spot in the semi-finals, as she will face Amanda Anisimova in the next round.
This marks the first of four hugely enthralling quarter-final clashes on the women’s side, with all of the top players present and competing for this elite honour.
The winner of Pegula’s match will face the winner of Iga Swiatek’s clash with Elena Rybakina.
Meanwhile, on the other half of the draw, another American, Coco Gauff, will have to topple the in-form Elina Svitolina.
The winner of that encounter will face the winner of Aryna Sabalenka’s match against the sparkling young talent Iva Jovic.
– READ MORE: Jessica Pegula gives her first reaction to the Buffalo Bills’ playoff defeat to the Denver Broncos
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