The Australian Open 2026 fourth round will feature more than just tennis when Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula — co-hosts of The Player’s Box podcast — face off in Melbourne.
The Bet
- Keys revealed Pegula wants the loser to face a quirky punishment: eating apple pie topped with cheddar cheese.
- Keys refused, joking: “She tried to make it sound normal… we were all disgusted.”
- Pegula doubled down, insisting it’s “amazing,” while Keys roasted her friend with Kraft Singles imagery.
The Podcast Angle
- Pegula teased a live element during their match, with co-host Desirae Krawczyk possibly joining in.
- The duo launched The Player’s Box last summer with Jennifer Brady, featuring Coco Gauff as their first guest.
- Pegula: “We’re trying to grow it this year, have more guests, base it around events in the world.”
On-Court Seriousness
- Keys, who dismissed Karolina Pliskova to reach the fourth round, clarified:
“I’ve never tried to make a person laugh mid-match. That’s the last thing I’m trying to do.” - Despite the fun off-court, both players are determined to bring their best tennis.
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