“Slower than a clay court” – Jessica Pegula complains about Australian Open conditions after shock loss to Olga Danilovic

Jessica Pegula voiced her frustration with the playing conditions at the 2025 Australian Open after suffering a surprising third-round defeat to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. Pegula, the No. 3 seed and one of the favorites to win the tournament, was eliminated in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-1, in a night session match at Rod Laver Arena. Following the loss, Pegula was critical of the court’s slow surface, which she believed favored her opponent.

In her post-match press conference, Pegula described the conditions as “slower than a clay court,” remarking that the sluggish court made it difficult for her to find her rhythm. “She served like 80% first serves, and with the conditions being so slow, it was tough. The balls felt heavy, and it definitely favored her style of play, especially with her lefty forehand to my backhand,” Pegula explained. She added that the playing conditions at the Australian Open this year felt different from her earlier rounds, calling it a “totally different tournament.”

Danilovic, who notched her career-best Grand Slam win, capitalized on the slower surface with her strong baseline play, while Pegula struggled to adapt to the conditions. Pegula isn’t the first player to raise concerns about court speed, as other athletes in previous years, including Stefanos Tsitsipas, have similarly criticized the unpredictable nature of the Melbourne courts.

Despite the disappointing exit, Pegula emphasized the need to stay focused and move on from the loss. Meanwhile, Danilovic celebrated her victory, advancing to the fourth round and securing her place among the tournament’s rising stars.