"I will always put up a fight no matter what" - Amanda Anisimova recalls spectacular upset win over Naomi Osaka at 2022 Australian Open

Amanda Anisimova has showcased some of her best tennis in Australia over the years, but a third-round thriller to upset Naomi Osaka at her favorite hunting ground in 2022 is perhaps a striking highlight of the American's exploits in the country.

A 17-year-old Anisimova debuted at the Australian Open back in 2019, where she beat 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka en route to the fourth round. The American repeated the run this year, losing to eventual champion Ashleigh Barty just a couple of weeks after lifting her second WTA title at the Melbourne Summer Set.

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The Australian Open recently released a throwback reel of Anisimova's most notable performances at Melbourne Park, with the 20-year-old reminiscing about her time at the 'Happy Slam':

"The first time I played the Australian Open, I reached the fourth round, so it was very special for me," the World No.23 said. "I think the most complicated part about tennis is not knowing whether you'll make it or not. Just the unknown of whether you'll become successful."

Anisimova then went on to recall her third-round match against defending champion Osaka at the 2022 edition of the tournament. It was the duo's first encounter, and the Japanese clinched the first set before her opponent equalized after taking the second. Anisimova eventually prevailed in the final set tiebreaker to cause a major upset.

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She later described her triumph as "unreal" before underlining her ability to showcase a resilient fighting spirit time and again.

"To play Naomi for the first time, it's unreal, honestly," she revealed. "My favorite quality of mine that I always try to work on is that I will always put up a fight no matter what. I love playing in front of Australian fans. It's just so fun out here. I absolutely love it."

Naomi Osaka took on Anisimova for a second time in the opener of the 2022 French Open, going down 7-5, 6-4 to seal an early exit.