Amanda Anisimova got her Australian Open campaign off to the perfect start earlier today with a routine straight-sets victory.
It seems the American superstar, who currently sits at a career-high world ranking of fourth, is poised to pick up where she left off in 2025.
During an exceptional 12-month period, she reached two Grand Slam finals whilst also winning Masters 1000 titles in Qatar and China.
The hope is that she can put the disappointments of her two major final losses behind her and take the final step needed to write her name in the history books.
A strong start here at the Australian Open will certainly have put her on the right track.
Amanda Anisimova speaks about her relationships on the WTA Tour
If she is to win these elite events though, Amanda Anisimova will have to beat the very best. More often than not, that means bypassing Aryna Sabalenka.
Asked about the Belarusian in her post-match press conference earlier today, after filming a TikTok with the world number one, she revealed the nature of their relationship and how it is possible to maintain any kind of bond whilst on tour.
What do you think of Aryna Sabalenka’s draw?
Anisimova admitted: “Yeah, I like to have fun with the players. I feel like I have a lot of good relationships on tour, and I think that’s really important personally for me. I mean, we’re around each other more than our own family and friends, I feel like, most of the time. I think it’s important to, you know, have those relationships and be able to have fun off of the court.
“Yeah, I really like that about Aryna and Paula, that they’re able to maintain a fun environment when we’re outside of, you know, match play, when we’re able to practice, and just be around each other. It’s very light and fun. Yeah, I really enjoy that.”
Then asked about Sabalenka’s upbeat and friendly attitude, she added: “Yeah, for sure. I love the fact that she’s at the top and she’s ranked No. 1, and obviously she maintains a very professional attitude.
“But then at the same time, she showcases that, you know, you’re allowed to have fun and be goofy off of the court. I feel like she’s breaking some boundaries, I guess, in that aspect of being able to have a good balance. I love that.”
Can Amanda Anisimova win a Grand Slam in 2026?
Sam Querrey predicted if Anisimova would win a Grand Slam title in 2026, given it feels like the overriding narrative ahead of this new season.
After all, having lost in two finals last year, she arguably could not have come closer to doing so.
What’s even more impressive is how she did not let those disappointments slow her down, having continued to dominate on tour up until her last match at the WTA Finals.
Anisimova clearly has the tactical and physical assets to beat anyone in the world, but she froze at Wimbledon, and was beaten by the better player at the US Open.
The Australian Open is the best Grand Slam… discuss!
However, these are key experiences that will surely help her prevent losses like these again, should she make it to another final in the coming year.
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