Amanda Anisimova admits that beating Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open has been one of the highlights of her career, as the American hopes to return to Melbourne Park this January. The 21-year-old Anisimova enjoyed an impressive Australian Open debut in 2019, having reached the round of 16 before losing to Petra Kvitova.
After a first-round exit in 2021, Anisimova enjoyed another deep run at the Australian Open at the start of the 2022 season when she again reached the round of 16. In the third round of this year’s Australian Open, Anisimova stunned defending champion Osaka 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) in her first meeting.
«The first time I played the Australian Open, I made it to the fourth round, so it was very special for me. I think the hardest part of tennis is not knowing if you’re going to make it or not. Just whether you’re going to make it «. he will be successful.
Playing Naomi for the first time is unreal, honestly. My favorite quality of mine that I always try to work on is that I will always put up a fight no matter what. I love playing in front of the Australian fans. It’s so much fun here.
I love it,» Anisimova said in a video for the Australian Open.
🇺🇸 @AnisimovaAmanda is ready to rumble 💪 pic.twitter.com/oxxaXjbW0a — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 27, 2022
Anisimova prevented Osaka from defending her Australian Open title
Osaka, who captured the Australian Open titles in 2019 and 2021, entered the match against Anisimova as the favourite.
But the 21-year-old Anisimova showed great courage and strength to bounce back from a setback and send Osaka outside Melbourne Park. After stunning Osaka, Anisimova met Ashleigh Barty, who was the top-seeded player in the main draw at the Australian Open.
This time, Anisimova was unable to deliver an upset as Barty defeated the American 6-4 6-3. After beating Anisimova, Barty won her first Australian Open title. Meanwhile, Anisimova is preparing for her fourth appearance at the Australian Open.
Anisimova has shown that she can play well in Melbourne and it remains to be seen if she can enjoy another good run at the Australian Open.
