Serena Williams’s Coach Highlights Key Factor in Amanda Anisimova’s Game After Naomi Osaka Victory at Australian Open 2022

Three years ago, American tennis player Amanda Anisimova made her maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open 2019 after defeating the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Simona Halep. However, things didn’t go exactly as planned for the American, as she was jolted by her father’s demise just before the 2019 US Open. Anisimova’s father, Konstantin, was also her coach.

But, Anisimova’s resolve in overcoming adversities is what made her emerge victorious against Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open third round. Osaka was a clear favorite coming into the contest, but Anisimova’s natural shot-making took the Japanese by surprise and eventually led to her defeat.

Patrick Mouratoglou praises Anisimova’s game post Australian Open victory against Osaka

Talking about Anisimova’s raw power, Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou made a statement during 2019 Roland Garros about how easily it comes to the American. After the victory, the Frenchman reiterated the same and revealed her exceptional timing to be the reason for her powerful ground strokes.

“Definitely  @AnisimovaAmanda. has easy power thanks to her exceptional timing,” tweeted Patrick. 

Post victory against Osaka, Anisimova’s next opponent is the local favorite Ashleigh Barty. Ahead of the third-round duel, fans were anticipating a Barty-Osaka contest in the pre-quarters of the Australian Open. After looking at Anisimova’s performance today, the fourth round match against Ash on Sunday might turn out to be an enthralling one.

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Analyzing her performance against Osaka today, Anisimova accepted the initial nerves she faced in the first set. During the same time, she conceded a break to her opponent and let her get away with the first set.

Amanda Anisimova talked about nerves during the first set against Osaka

After the match, Anisimova gave the reason for her shaky start to the match and also talked about how she grew in confidence as the game progressed.

“I think it was the hardest in the first set to be honest; I was just trying to step up my game, and I think that’s why my nerves were kicking in a little bit. Because I knew that I had to really dig deep and just try to be more aggressive to give myself a chance to win today. But in the third set, I was not really nervous at all anymore.” Anisimova said.

It was a fearless performance from the American, especially in the match tie-breaker, as she constantly put pressure on Naomi and forced her to be defensive. All in all, it was a huge victory for Amanda Anisimova after a rough couple of years on the WTA Tour as she looks forward to claiming more history by defeating Ashleigh Barty on Sunday at the ‘Happy Slam’.

Also read: ‘Can’t Win the Grand Slam at the Start Every Time’: Naomi Osaka on Her Shocking Loss at Australian Open 2022