WTA Brisbane Day 4 Preview: Jessica Pegula Faces Kalinskaya in Long-Awaited Debut

Key Points

• World No. 6 Jessica Pegula makes her Brisbane debut against Anna Kalinskaya.
• Rising Australian teenager Emerson Jones challenges Liudmila Samsonova in their first meeting.
• Linda Noskova looks to extend her head-to-head lead over Magdalena Frech.
• Leylah Fernandez meets Dayana Yastremska in a tightly matched contest.
• Predictions favor Pegula, Samsonova, Noskova, and Fernandez to advance.

Pegula’s Brisbane Debut

Day 4 of the WTA 250 Brisbane International brings a highly anticipated debut for Jessica Pegula, the World No. 6, who faces Russian opponent Anna Kalinskaya. Pegula has been one of the most consistent players on tour but has yet to capture a title in Australia. Kalinskaya, meanwhile, endured a difficult start to last season before finding form during the North American swing.

The pair have met four times, with Pegula holding a 3–1 advantage. All of their encounters have gone the distance, suggesting another close battle. Pegula’s experience, however, should give her the edge. Prediction: Pegula in 3 sets.

Samsonova vs. Jones

In one of the day’s most intriguing matchups, Liudmila Samsonova takes on Australian teenager Emerson Jones. This will be their first meeting. Samsonova, known for her powerful baseline game, enters with far more tour experience and a higher ranking.

Jones, fresh off a straight-sets win over Tatjana Maria, will have the home crowd behind her. Still, overcoming Samsonova’s firepower will require a standout performance. Prediction: Samsonova in 3 sets.

Noskova vs. Frech

Linda Noskova faces Magdalena Frech in a rematch of their Abu Dhabi clash last year, which Noskova won convincingly. Frech has shown flashes of competitiveness but has struggled against higher-ranked opponents.

Noskova’s consistency and aggressive play should prove too much once again. Prediction: Noskova in 2 sets.

Fernandez vs. Yastremska

Leylah Fernandez meets Dayana Yastremska in a contest that promises drama. Fernandez leads their head-to-head 2–1. Yastremska narrowly advanced in the previous round, edging Talia Gibson in two tie-break sets despite Gibson serving for both.

Fernandez has not always thrived in Australia, but her reliability and composure should carry her through. Prediction: Fernandez in 3 sets.

Context: Why It Matters

The Brisbane International serves as a key warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open, giving players a chance to fine-tune their games on hard courts. For Pegula, a strong showing here could set the tone for her Grand Slam campaign. For rising stars like Emerson Jones, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against established tour players.

What Happens Next?

Winners from Day 4 will advance to the quarterfinals, where the competition will intensify. With Pegula’s debut and Fernandez’s resilience under the spotlight, Brisbane continues to deliver compelling storylines as the Australian summer of tennis heats up.