Cotton Eyed Joe

Jessica Pegula of the US celebrates her victory over Iga Swiatek of Poland during the women’s singles semi-finals of the WTP Canadian Open tennis tournament, in Montreal, Canada, 12 August 2023. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE

Jessica Pegula falls to young French star Clara Burel

American tennis sensation Jessica Pegula, ranked fifth in the world, faced an unexpected exit at the Australian Open.

Cotton Eyed Joe

Jessica Pegula of the US celebrates her victory over Iga Swiatek of Poland during the women’s singles semi-finals of the WTP Canadian Open tennis tournament, in Montreal, Canada, 12 August 2023. EPA/ANDRE PICHETTE

American world number five Jessica Pegula Thursday became the highest seed to depart the Australian Open, upset by young French star Clara Burel 6-4, 6-2.

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Pegula ousted

The fifth seed had no answers to the 22-year-old, who set up an all-French third-round clash with Oceane Dodin, conqueror of Italy’s Martina Trevisan.

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“I’m still shaking,” said Burel, who has never gone beyond a Grand Slam second round before. “I’m just really happy to be through. “That’s nice that I play Oceane, because it means one of us will be in the fourth round. I’m sure it will be a great match.”

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Montreal WTA

Pegula won the Montreal WTA 1000 trophy last season as well as a title in Seoul.

ALSO READ: Iga Swiatek battles past Sofia Kenin in grueling opener

© Agence France-Presse