World No. 4 Amanda Anisimova made light work of her all-American clash against Peyton Stearns, cruising to a 6–1 6–4 victory over her compatriot on Margaret Court Arena.
Amanda Anisimova, through to the fourth round for the first time since 2024, wrapped up the contest in just 71 minutes, a timely result given the tournament’s Extreme Heat Policy was enforced shortly after her victory.
“I felt like I was really rushed today trying to just fit everything in on each changeover. Yeah, I mean, it’s just important to keep fuelling and also staying calm, to not spend my energy on emotions and stuff like that.”
Given her level of play for the majority of the match, few will doubt the American’s ability to reach a third successive Grand Slam final, having already reached the showpiece matches at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Anisimova came out firing in the opening set, her backhand already in full swing as she held to love, before breaking to 15 with a series of stunning returns to take a 2–0 lead.
World No. 68 Stearns was causing trouble on Anisimova’s serve, but was unable to capitalise, and the fourth seed broke once more before saving two break points to seal the opening set.
The second set started in a similar pattern as Anisimova, who was striking the ball so cleanly, broke twice more to 15 to surge into a 4–1 lead.
Anisimova’s level dipped just enough for Stearns to break in the sixth game, but she responded immediately, breaking back to move 5–2 ahead.
The fourth seed was broken once again, seeing a match point come and go, but with a seemingly unflinching mentality, Anisimova held firm in her next service game to round off a satisfying performance.
In her post-match press conference, Anisimova spoke of her delight at reaching the fourth round in Melbourne, while also shedding light on the training routines she has incorporated to improve her movement.
“Yeah, I’ve been taking it one day at a time, one match at a time. But super excited. It’s so
special to be back in the fourth round. I was really happy today after my match in getting this win. Every single match has been tough. I really want to do well here. So yeah, I’m just really looking forward to the next one. Hopefully I can go further.
“I actually enjoy, like, the really, really tough ones, really pushing myself. Like we’ve been doing a lot of movement drills here after all of my trainings. They’re not super long, but they’re quite intense. I actually like them.”
