Amanda Anisimova recounts stunning defending champ Naomi Osaka at Australian Open

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Amanda Anisimova admits beating Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open has been one of her career highlights as the American is looking forward to returning to Melbourne Park this January. Anisimova, 21, enjoyed an impressive Australian Open debut in 2019, having reached the round-of-16 before losing to Petra Kvitova.

After a first-round exit in 2021, Anisimova enjoyed another deep Australian Open run at the start of the 2022 season as she again made the round-of-16. In this year's Australian Open third round, Anisimova stunned defending champion Osaka 4-6 6-3 7-6 (5) in what was their first meeting.

"The first time I played the Australian Open, I reached the fourth round, so it was very special for me. I think the most complicated part about tennis is not knowing whether you'll make it or not. Just the unknown of whether you'll become successful.

To play Naomi for the first time, it's unreal, honestly. My favorite quality of mine that I always try to work on is that I will always put up a fight no matter what. I love playing in front of Australian fans. It's just so fun out here.

I absolutely love it," Anisimova said in a video for the Australian Open.

🇺🇸 @AnisimovaAmanda is ready to rumble 💪 pic.twitter.com/oxxaXjbW0a — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 27, 2022

Anisimova prevented Osaka from defending her Australian Open title

Osaka, who captured the Australian Open titles in 2019 and 2021, entered the match against Anisimova as the favorite.

But 21-year-old Anisimova showed great courage and strength to recover from a set down and send Osaka packing out of Melbourne Park. After stunning Osaka, Anisimova met Ashleigh Barty, who was the top-seeded player in the Australian Open main draw.

This time, Anisimova couldn't make an upset as Barty ousted the American 6-4 6-3. After beating Anisimova, Barty went on to win her first Australian Open title. Meanwhile, Anisimova is preparing for her fourth Australian Open appearance.

Anisimova has proved that she can play well in Melbourne and it remains to be seen if she can enjoy another good Australian Open run.