Amanda Anisimova’s pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open came to an end in the quarterfinals.
In the last eight at Melbourne Park, Anisimova lost to compatriot Jessica Pegula, falling in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena.
The American, who reached a career-high of third in the world earlier this year, was beaten 6-2, 7-6 by Pegula.
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Anisimova came into the Australian Open off the back of two consecutive visits to Grand Slam finals, having reached the championship match at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025.
She failed to make it three in a row, however, and the loss made her realise that changes were needed in her game.
Amanda Anisimova’s realisation after Australian Open loss
In her pre-tournament press conference at the Qatar Open, Anisimova reflected on her Australian Open run, almost two weeks after her defeat.
She said: “I feel like it’s actually felt like quite some time since. I think it was a really good run for me.
“It was my first time making the quarters there. Yeah, I’m happy with the result. I feel like I realised a lot of things that I need to work on.
“I feel like I’ve been really able to implement those things in my practices as of lately. Yeah, I feel like I’m working on the right things, so I’m really happy with how things are going.”
Anisimova is seeded third at the Qatar Open, which is the first WTA 1000 competition of the 2026 season.
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Amanda Anisimova believes she can still win a Grand Slam
Anisimova has yet to win a Grand Slam in her career, but at 24 years of age, she still has plenty of time, and the US star believes she is capable of achieving the feat.
“I would say that it’s definitely more feasible for me,” said Anisimova, when asked about her desire to win a major.
“I know that I’m able to really get to that goal, and I think for sure the hunger is there. I’m really doing everything I can to try and prepare myself as best as I can for those Grand Slams, when I’m in those opportunities or positions.
“I think, yeah, I’ve been making all the right steps towards that, and I feel like we’re doing the right things for me to get to my goal. Obviously those things also take time.”
Anisimova’s next chance at winning a Grand Slam will come at the French Open in May, where she is a former semifinalist.
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