Jessica Pegula crashes OUT of the Australian Open after defeat by Victoria Azarenka  

BREAKING NEWS: Jessica Pegula crashes OUT of the Australian Open as American star is beaten in straight sets by two-time champion Victoria Azarenka

By Ollie Lewis For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 04:52 EST, 24 January 2023 | Updated: 04:59 EST, 24 January 2023

Jessica Pegula’s Australian Open journey is over after the American sensation was knocked out by veteran Victoria Azarenka in Melbourne.

Pegula has been touted as the woman best-placed to win the first slam of the year following the exits of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, and was tipped to get the better of two-time champion Azarenka on Tuesday night.

But the Belarusian used all of her experience and nous to get the better of her younger rival, winning 6-4, 6-1 in comfortable fashion on Rod Laver Arena.

Jessica Pegula has crashed out of the Australian Open after losing to Victoria Azarenka

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‘It hurts to beat her because I always want her to do well,’ Azarenka said after her win.

‘I knew I had to bring it, I just tried to stay there and take opportunities because I knew she’d take everything if I didn’t try to take things myself. 

‘It feels so great to be in a semi final of another grand slam.’ 

More to follow.