Latest update (January 19, 2026): Russian tennis star Anastasia Zakharova is competing in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open, facing off against world No. 6 Jessica Pegula. Pre-match prediction models give Pegula a major edge, but Zakharova remains one of the breakthrough players to watch on tour this year.
Quick Summary
- Anastasia Zakharova is competing in the 2026 Australian Open, drawn against Jessica Pegula in the first round.
- Predictions give Pegula a high probability of victory, but Zakharova has tools to challenge early sets.
- Zakharova broke into the WTA top-100 in late 2025, reaching a career-best ranking of No. 79.
- She’s known for an aggressive baseline game and consistent improvement on the tour.
- This article offers background, recent form, predictions, stats, and prospects.
Who Is Anastasia Zakharova? — Background & Career
Anastasia Vladimirovna Zakharova (born January 18, 2002, in Volgograd, Russia) is a professional tennis player on the WTA Tour. She plays right-handed with a strong baseline game and has steadily progressed through the ranks over the last several seasons.
Career Highlights
- Career-high singles ranking: No. 79 (September 15, 2025) — her best position on the WTA singles ladder.
- Titles: 16 ITF singles titles & 8 ITF doubles titles (successful mainly at ITF circuit level).
- Grand Slams best runs: Third round at the Australian Open 2024 kick-started visibility on the big stage.
Zakharova’s style blends aggressive groundstrokes with increasing tactical sophistication. She’s improved serve placement and footwork year-over-year, which helped her make more main draw appearances in WTA events throughout 2025.
Latest News & Trending Reports (Yesterday / Today)
Here are the freshest developments related to Zakharova’s career:
Australian Open 2026 — Pegula vs. Zakharova Build-Up
- Sports prediction models ahead of the Pegula vs. Zakharova match indicate Jessica Pegula as the likely winner, with approximately an 89% chance of victory based on simulation data.
- Despite the prediction gap, Zakharova is listed with significant underdog odds and could take advantage in the first set markets.
- The match is set to begin at Melbourne Park (Women’s Singles first round).
This Aussie Open appearance is one of the most high-profile matchups of her career, giving fans the chance to see how she performs against a top-10 seed.
Additional Tournament Predictions
- Tennis preview coverage for Australian Open Day 2 includes Zakharova among 28 matches highlighted at Melbourne Park.
- General Day 2 highlights showcase other major matches and context for the tournament’s atmosphere.
Technical Profile — Playing Style & Strengths
Strengths
Baseline Power & Consistency: Zakharova’s groundstrokes are heavy and penetrating, especially on hard courts, where she can dictate points.
Return Game: She often pressures opponents by stepping into returns early, forcing shorter rallies.
Movement & Defense: Improved court coverage has allowed her to extend rallies effectively.
Areas for Improvement
Serve Consistency: At the highest level, second-serve depth and placement will be a focus area.
Grand Slam Pressure Moments: Strong early match play sometimes gives way to lapses against elite opponents — a common growth area for rising players.
Recent Form & Performance Analysis
Rankings & Stats
- Career-Best Ranking: No. 79 singles (15 September 2025).
- Current form: Playing at the Australian Open and gaining more WTA-level experience.
- Grand Slam Record: 3-0 in first rounds previously, including wins in main draws.
Although facing a major challenge in Pegula — who is much higher in the rankings — Zakharova’s recent improvements give her a competitive baseline level.
Head-to-Head & Match-Level Context
As of January 19, 2026:
- Pegula vs. Zakharova: Match scheduled for the first round of the Australian Open with live score tracking and all statistics available via live score services.
What Experts Are Saying (Predictions & Odds)
Recent simulations and match previews show a strong favorite in Pegula due to experience and ranking — but Zakharova isn’t without chances. Analysts point out that:
- Zakharova can challenge early games and possibly take a set if Pegula’s consistency drops.
- Predictive betting models list Zakharova as a value underdog for first-set wins.
These perspectives offer context for fans and fantasy tennis participants alike.
Quotes & Commentary
While live post-match quotes from the 2026 Australian Open aren’t yet available, commentators and previews highlight two general themes:
- Zakharova’s growth trajectory — seen in her steady climb through the rankings.
- Focus on next-generation players at major events and how they challenge elite seeds.
For real post-match quotes, official WTA event press conferences, and Australian Open coverage channels (WTA broadcasts) will provide player insights after the match concludes.
Final Thoughts — What to Watch Next
Anastasia Zakharova’s appearance in the 2026 Australian Open marks one of the most significant moments in her career so far — especially taking on a top seed like Jessica Pegula. While most prediction models favor Pegula, Zakharova’s steady rise and improving game make her a player to observe closely.
What This Means for Her Career
- A strong performance — even in a loss — built around competitiveness and extended rallies could improve her confidence and ranking momentum.
- Continued exposure at Grand Slam events will sharpen her tactical game and serve consistency — areas that are key for climbing further into top-50 contention.
