Anisimova Powers Into Second Round, Eyes Australian Open Breakthrough
MELBOURNE, 22 January 2026 – World No. 4 Amanda Anisimova has launched her Australian Open campaign in emphatic fashion, dispatching Switzerland’s Simona Waltert in straight sets to advance to the second round. The victory marks a confident start for the American, who arrives in Melbourne riding a wave of momentum from a spectacular 2025 season.
Commanding Start on Margaret Court Arena
The 24-year-old needed just one hour on Margaret Court Arena to secure a 6-3, 6-2 victory over the 86th-ranked Waltert, who was making her main draw debut at Melbourne Park. Anisimova broke her opponent’s serve early in both sets to establish control, sealing the match with a powerful ace. She tallied 13 winners in what she described as a “comfortable” outing.
“It’s really good to be back here, I feel like Australia is my second home,” Anisimova said after the match. “I love how rowdy it gets.”
Building on a Stellar 2025
Anisimova’s strong start is a continuation of her remarkable breakout last season. The New Jersey native surged 32 places to a career-high ranking, captured two WTA 1000 titles, and was crowned the WTA’s Most Improved Player. Her season was highlighted by consecutive runs to her first Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.
While she suffered a heavy defeat to Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon final, she showcased her resilience by defeating the Polish star in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows just weeks later. She eventually fell to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a tight US Open final.
“I am coming off a great year. A lot of confidence,” Anisimova reflected ahead of the tournament. “I had a lot of great experiences last year… I use [expectations] as motivation.”
Key Facts: Amanda Anisimova
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | World No. 4 |
| Age & Height | 24 years, 180 cm |
| Best AO Result | 4th Round (2019, 2022, 2024) |
| 2025 Season Highlights | Wimbledon & US Open Finalist, 2x WTA 1000 Titles |
| 2026 Australian Open Prize Money (Winner) | A$4,150,000 |
Tipped for Glory in Melbourne
Anisimova’s form has not gone unnoticed by pundits. Sky Sports Tennis expert Gigi Salmon has predicted the American will lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, tipping her to defeat the favourite Sabalenka. “I predicted in early December and will stick with what I said then: your champions will be Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova,” Salmon wrote in her pre-tournament column.
Anisimova, who has switched back to blonde hair for the new season, is focused on translating her hardcourt experience to the only major where she has yet to reach the semi-finals. “Just being in those positions for the first time, I think the second time around is always going to be a little easier,” she said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Amanda Anisimova play next at the Australian Open?
Anisimova will face the winner of the match between Czech player Katerina Siniakova and Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in the second round.
What is Amanda Anisimova’s best result at the Australian Open?
Her best performance in Melbourne is reaching the fourth round, a feat she has achieved three times (2019, 2022, and 2024). She is bidding to go beyond that stage for the first time in 2026.
How many Grand Slam finals has Anisimova reached?
She reached her first two Grand Slam finals in 2025, finishing as runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open.