Amanda Anisimova is into the Australian Open fourth round for the third time after an impressive showing against Paula Badosa.
This was a battle between two players with great pedigree. Badosa is a former Indian Wells WTA 1000 champion, while Anisimova was a French Open semifinalist in 2019 and a Wimbledon quarterfinalist in 2022.
Both women have also recently come back from a long time out. The Spaniard is back after six months out with injury, and has impressed in her first Grand Slam back, even though Badosa was irritated by a noisy courtside bar in her last match.
Anisimova returned after taking a break for tennis. She was also in great form in per previous matches, despite her first-round victory being Anisimova's first Grand Slam triumph since 2022.
The first set of this contest was a roller coaster ride, with seven breaks of serve in total. This was especially incredible since Badosa had not been broken in her previous two matches.
Anisimova struggled early on, going 4-1 down after a series of double faults and unforced errors. But the American then suddenly came to life and won four games in a row to go 5-4 up.
The pair then exchanged breaks again before a dramatic final game of the set. Anisimova missed six set points and suddenly began struggling physically, but took a 7th opportunity to take the set 7-5.
Anisimova took a medical timeout and was okay after that, with the issue seeming to be brought on by the stress and emotion of the first set. The second set started more quietly, with six consecutive holds of serve.
The crucial moment came when Anisimova broke Badosa to love in the 7th game. This came from her excellent hitting from the baseline, which the American did consistently from 4-1 down in the first set.
Anisimova also served superbly in the second set, and she held her following two service games comfortably to continue her successful comeback to tennis with a 7-5 6-4 triumph.
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