Anisimova Eyes Third Straight Grand Slam Final in Melbourne

Amanda Anisimova isn't running from expectations anymore. She's using them as rocket fuel.

The American tennis star arrived in Melbourne this week fresh off a career-defining 2025 season that saw her reach both the Wimbledon and US Open finals. Now ranked No. 4 in the world after jumping 32 spots in a single year, the 24-year-old is chasing history with a third consecutive Grand Slam final appearance.

"I'm coming off of a great year with a lot of confidence," Anisimova said Friday. "There are expectations, but I use them as motivation."

Her path to the top wasn't smooth. Iga Swiatek crushed her 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon final, a devastating loss that could have shattered a younger player's spirit.

But Anisimova bounced back with fierce determination. At the US Open, she got her revenge by beating Swiatek in the quarterfinals, then defeated Naomi Osaka in the semis before pushing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to a tight 6-3, 7-6 final.

The WTA named her the most improved player of the season, recognition she earned through relentless work and mental growth. After competing at her first WTA Finals, she took only a short break in Miami before jumping back into competition at Brisbane last week.

Why This Inspires

Anisimova's journey shows that failure doesn't define you. Getting demolished 6-0, 6-0 on one of tennis's biggest stages could have ended her confidence, but she transformed that pain into power.

Her willingness to embrace pressure instead of shrinking from it offers a masterclass in mental toughness. "I learned a lot about myself and things that I want to improve," she explained, turning introspection into action.

Now she's hunting for that elusive first Grand Slam title. "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. "At least I have been in those spots that I kind of know what to expect."

The Miami native knows the Australian Open presents fresh challenges, but she's ready. Her approach remains grounded: take it one match at a time, bring that extra edge, and keep improving as an athlete.

After a year of breaking through barriers and proving she belongs among tennis's elite, Anisimova is just getting started.