Melbourne, Jan. 28 -- In an all-American showdown, Jessica Pegula defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6(1) in the Australian Open quarterfinals, securing her first-ever semifinal spot in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The last time Pegula faced a compatriot in the Australian Open quarterfinals, she closed the match in 1 hour and 35 minutes on Wednesday to reach the semifinal, where she'll face Elena Rybakina.

"It's awesome. I've been able to go deeper at the US Open the last couple years, but here was the first Slam that I really broke through at. And I was a three, and then this year, four-time quarterfinalist," Pegula said as per the WTA Tour website.

"I was like, 'It's got to be coming, you know. The next round, I've got to get to the semi.' ...