Amanda Anisimova continues to defy modest expectations on Australian Open return: "But I still expected a lot out of myself"

During the night, Amanda Anisimova took down another player heading back hopefully towards a resurgence in Paula Badosa 7-5, 6-4 to reach the Last 16 of the 2024 Australian Open in only her second tournament back. Now the prize given her Head to Head record against her awaits of a certain Aryna Sabalenka.

Anisimova decided to exit the sport last May to prioritise her mental health with burnout at 21 years old, she picked up a passion for painting and enrolled in university seemingly putting tennis behind her at least for now. But suddenly appearing in entry lists, she returned in Auckland and amid all of the other comeback stories, Anisimova has gone under the radar and had the best success albeit after fairly modest expectations.

"I'm really proud of myself. I wasn't sure should I expect to do well because a lot of people were telling me, 'don't put too much expectations on yourself. You've taken a lot of time off. Don't get too down on yourself if you don't do well at these tournaments.' I kind of took that in a little bit, but I still expected a lot out of myself.
"At the same time I was going to be happy whether I lose in the first round or if I do well. So I was going in with that approach. I'm just really happy that I was able to get this far, but I still think that I can do more."
Next up is Sabalenka who Anisimova holds a superb Head to Head record against and is one she is looking forward to. "She's an amazing competitor. She's had a great year. I know she's going to be coming in hot, playing well. So I'm expecting a really good match."
"We're both very big hitters, so it always ends up being an enjoyable match to watch and also for us to play I think. I'm just really looking forward to it. I think it will be a good experience."