Amanda Anisimova has advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open, marking her comeback with a noteworthy 7-5, 6-4 victory over Paula Badosa in just an hour and 28 minutes at John Cain Arena. This achievement is particularly remarkable as Anisimova is the first player to secure a spot in the fourth round of the tournament. Notably, this will be her third appearance in the fourth round in Melbourne, with the first occurrence happening in 2019 when she was just 17 years old. Welcome back, Amanda!
Amanda Anisimova is set to face the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the next round, promising an exciting clash between two powerful players. Anisimova took a hiatus from tennis last year, feeling fatigued at the age of 21 and needing a break from the sport.
Now, it appears she is rejuvenated and ready to pursue titles once again. Despite some struggles against Badosa, including heavy breathing after the opening set and challenges with movement, Anisimova seems determined to regain her form and physical strength after the extended break.
In her recent match against Paula Badosa, Anisimova faced challenges but managed to secure victory in straight sets. Despite losing her serve three times, she capitalized on five out of eight break points, ultimately winning the match and conserving energy for the next rounds.
Anisimova demonstrated a strong performance by hitting 40 winners and committing 29 unforced errors in her match against Paula Badosa. She effectively controlled the outcome by keeping the shots on her racquet and excelling in shorter rallies of up to four strokes. This strategic play allowed her to take control of crucial moments and secure her spot in the last 16 of the Australian Open.
Badosa initially secured a break in the second game of the match, but her lead was short-lived as Anisimova managed to equalize on her fourth break opportunity in the third game, executing a backhand crosscourt winner. In the following game, Badosa launched an offensive, securing her second consecutive break with a forehand down-the-line winner.
Badosa showcased her skills with a backhand down-the-line winner in the fifth game, maintaining her hold and establishing a 4-1 advantage. However, Anisimova remained composed, staging a comeback by breaking Badosa in the seventh game with a forehand down-the-line winner. Subsequently, she held her serve to level the score at 4-4 following a loose volley from Paula.
Anisimova secured her second consecutive break in the ninth game, taking a 5-4 lead and positioning herself to serve for the set. However, she faced a setback as Badosa responded with a forehand down-the-line winner, breaking Anisimova’s serve and leveling the score at 5-5, extending the set.
Anisimova rediscovered her A-game on the return in the 11th game, securing her third consecutive break with a backhand crosscourt winner. Serving for the set at 6-5, both players engaged in a 12-minute struggle. Badosa had three break points, but Anisimova held strong, accumulating seven set points in the process.
Anisi
after 58 minutes and opting for a medical timeout.
