Anisimova Prepares to Meet Rising Expectations
Amanda Anisimova is gearing up for her campaign at the 2026 Australian Open, where she faces Swiss player Simona Waltert, ranked No. 86 in the world. This matchup marks Waltert’s debut in the main draw of the Australian Open women’s singles.
Anisimova’s Path in the Tournament
If Anisimova defeats Waltert, she may encounter Katerina Siniakova in the second round. A potential third-round matchup could see her face former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who is seeded 27th.
- Round Two: Katerina Siniakova
- Round Three: Sofia Kenin (27th seed)
Projected Opponents
In the tournament’s later stages, Anisimova’s likely opponents include:
- Fourth Round: Linda Noskova (13th seed)
- Quarterfinal: Jessica Pegula (6th seed)
Should she advance past these challenges, Anisimova could face the formidable top seed Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion. A victory against Sabalenka would set the stage for a final showdown, potentially against either the second seed Iga Swiatek or the third seed Coco Gauff.
Mindset and Expectations
She emphasizes her commitment to self-improvement. “Going into this year, I’m just thinking about how I can get that extra edge and improve as an athlete,” she said.
As the tournament unfolds, fans will watch closely to see how Anisimova meets the rising expectations placed upon her.