Anisimova back to best for Barty clash

Murray Wenzel | January 23, 2022

A rejuvenated Amanda Anisimova is happy the goose bumps are back ahead of a grand slam rematch with Ash Barty.

Australia’s great Open hope Barty will face the fearless American on Rod Laver Arena in the fourth round on Sunday night, three years after beating her in a French Open semi-final.

Barty has vivid memories of their 2019 showdown, and how she battled from a set and a break down to progress and then claim a maiden major title.

But it’s a moment in time for the 20-year-old too, whose father and coach’s sudden death later that year took a toll on the teenage talent apparently destined for greatness.

“I’ve gone through a couple of hard years,” Anisimova said.

“Last year was a huge struggle for me. Honestly … I really wanted to be having these moments again.

“Sometimes you doubt it, like ‘what if I get injured and I’ll never be able to play in a grand slam again?’.

“Those thoughts try to creep up in my head sometimes.”

Anisimova had beaten her first top-10 opponent as a 16-year-old and won her first WTA title when 17, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open in the same year she reached the final four at Roland Garros.

But it wasn’t until this month she won another title, claiming the Melbourne Summer Set trophy.

That form has continued at the Australian Open, Anisimova going toe-to-toe with defending champion Naomi Osaka and prevailing to set up a date with Barty.

“I was really looking forward to this and just playing on these big stages,” Anisimova said of her big-time tennis against Osaka, when she saved two match points.

“It’s just an amazing atmosphere. This is everything that I train for.”

“I was getting goose bumps in the tiebreaker (against Osaka).”

Barty has assumed the No.1 mantle, and won a Wimbledon title, since their French Open battle and been in devastating form this year.

“She’s (Barty) an amazing player; I look up to her a lot, I love her game,” Anisimova said.

“She’s a champion, so it’s just going to be exciting to go up against her, another amazing opportunity for me.”