What lockdown? Brady defies odds to reach semi-finals

After being forced into hard lockdown on arriving in Australia last month, Jennifer Brady proved today quarantine was no barrier to success as she staged a comeback to beat fellow American Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to reach her first Australian Open semi-final.

Pegula had dominated early and won the opening set thanks to a 14-point run and some poor service from Brady.

In hot conditions, Brady fought back, levelling the tie in the second with some powerful tennis. She jumped out to a 3-0 lead, briefly lost it and slammed her racket to the ground in frustration, before refocussing.

The third and deciding set saw both trading trading shots early before Brady took control, broke Pegula’s serve and went on to win comfortably.

“We’re such good friends. I know we will having many more tough battles,” Brady said of Pegula.

“I felt the pressure from her. She’s such an aggressive player.

“I was looking to push her back and get more on offense. I think I played a really good third set.”

Brady, 25, will surprise semi-finalist Karolina Muchova in the last four.