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

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.

‘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.