Pegula, Paul Face Tough Second-Round Tests at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian Open‘s second round heats up as Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul face formidable challenges, while Naomi Osaka seeks redemption against Karolina Muchova in a highly anticipated rematch.

Pegula, the seventh seed, will take on Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Wednesday at Margaret Court Arena. Despite Pegula’s strong start to the season, including a finals appearance in Adelaide, Mertens poses a significant threat. The Belgian holds a 2-1 head-to-head advantage, including a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory at Roland Garros in 2023. Mertens, ranked 34th, has also shown strong form, reaching the Hobart final and saving two match points in her first-round win over Viktorija Golubic.

“They play similar games, hitting hard and mostly flat,” said a tennis analyst. “But Pegula’s recent coaching change and her run to a major final last year could give her the edge this time.”

Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka faces Karolina Muchova in a rematch of their tense US Open encounter. Muchova, who reached the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, defeated Osaka in straight sets last summer. However, Osaka, now under the guidance of coach Patrick Mouratoglou, is determined to turn the tables. “I wanted to change the rhythm,” Muchova said after their previous match. “I felt like it was working, so I just stuck to that plan.”

On the men’s side, Tommy Paul battles Kei Nishikori in a clash of generations. Paul, 27, survived a grueling five-set match against Australia’s Chris O'Connell, while Nishikori, 35, staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down against Thiago Monteiro. Nishikori holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage, but Paul’s recent form and fitness could prove decisive.

“Nishikori specializes in five-set marathons, but Paul has come a long way since their last meeting,” said a commentator. “If he’s healthy, he should have more game at this stage.”

As the second round unfolds, all eyes will be on these marquee matchups, with players vying for a spot in the third round and beyond.