Amanda Anisimova has steadily established herself as a rising force in women’s tennis, with her performances at the Australian Open showcasing both her potential and resilience. Since her Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019, the American teenager born in 2001 has continued to push the boundaries of her game, aiming to translate her promise into a major title.
Anisimova burst onto the scene at the 2019 Australian Open, where she reached the fourth round as a 17-year-old wildcard—a remarkable achievement that put her in the spotlight. Along the way, she defeated top players including Aryna Sabalenka, signaling her ability to stand toe-to-toe with established stars. Although her run was halted by Petra Kvitova, the experience laid a foundation for her future Grand Slam pursuits.
Over the next several years, Anisimova demonstrated consistency in Melbourne with multiple fourth-round appearances, notably in 2022 and 2024. Her 2022 campaign was highlighted by a notable victory over then-world No. 2 Naomi Osaka in the third round, a testament to her competitive grit and developing skill set. However, she was eventually stopped by reigning Australian star Ash Barty, whose home-court advantage and tactical prowess proved decisive.
The 2023 Australian Open brought a setback, as Anisimova succumbed early to Marta Kostyuk in the first round. Yet, she rebounded in 2024 by advancing to the fourth round again, speaking to her ability to overcome challenges and maintain a strong presence in the tournament. This period reflects a key facet of her career — navigating the pressures and expectations that come with rising tennis stardom.
Her early exit in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open at the hands of Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, was a reminder of the fierce competition on the WTA Tour. But Anisimova’s victory over Maria Lourdes Carle in the opening round showed she remains a formidable opponent capable of winning important matches.
Across her Australian Open career, Anisimova’s match record stands at an admirable 10 wins and 6 losses. These statistics underscore her consistent presence at the Slam, where she has often been among the youngest qualifiers and yet managed to hold her own against seasoned competitors. Such experience accrued at the age of 23 hints at a bright future.
Beyond Melbourne, Anisimova’s Grand Slam results reveal a player on the rise. Her breakthrough at Roland Garros in 2019 saw her storm into the semifinals, a deep run that announced her arrival on the world stage. Though she has not yet claimed a major title, reaching the final rounds at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025 showcases her versatility across different surfaces and adaptability against varied opponents.
A lesser-known chapter in Anisimova’s journey involves a unique event known as the ‘One Point Slam,’ a mixed tournament blending amateurs and professionals. She notably upset three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev after receiving a first-round bye. Although her run was halted in the quarterfinals by an amateur player, this event reflects her willingness to embrace unconventional challenges and broaden her competitive horizons.
Historically, Anisimova is part of a lineage of young American talents striving to reclaim dominance on the women’s circuit. Her Russian heritage and upbringing in the U.S. also reflect the increasingly global nature of tennis, where players often blend diverse backgrounds and training philosophies to shape their style. This globalized context adds a unique narrative to her career as she navigates the pressures of Grand Slam tennis.
Looking forward, the Australian Open 2026, set to commence on January 18 in Melbourne, offers Anisimova another opportunity to build on her solid foundation and push deeper into the draw. At 24 years old, she sits at a pivotal point in her career, where the experience gained from Grand Slam runs and tough matches can converge into a potential maiden Slam victory.
With the WTA landscape consistently evolving, Anisimova’s blend of powerful baseline play, tenacity, and youth makes her a player to watch. Her trajectory so far illustrates both the challenges and promise of a young athlete striving to break through at the highest level. As the tennis world turns its eyes to the upcoming Slam season, Amanda Anisimova’s continued ambition and growth promise to deliver exciting chapters in the sport’s unfolding story.