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Naomi Osaka’s reigning champion Down Under is over. The defending Australian Open champion and No. 13 seed lost a third-round match to unseeded Amanda Anisimova 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 at Melbourne Park on Friday morning. Anisimova entered the Australian Open at No. 60 in the world.
It marked the second consecutive upset victory for Anisimova, who defeated No. 22 Belina Bencic in straight sets in the second round. She scored 46 points compared to Osaka’s 21. In addition, she had eight winners throughout Friday’s game.
“I know if I want to give myself a chance, I have to play sharp,” Anisimova says after her frustrating victory.
Osaka had plenty of chances to beat Anisimova but couldn’t deliver. She had two chances for match point in the third set, but failed to do so.
After beating Osaka, Anisimova will now go on to face No. 1 seed Ashley Barty, who beat Camila George to reach the quarterfinals.
Despite the loss, Osaka was in good spirits after the game and was pleased with her performance. This is only the second tennis tournament she has played since taking a break from last year’s U.S. Open to focus on her mental health.
“Of course I think I fight for every point and I can’t feel bad about it,” osaka says“I’m not God. It’s impossible for me to win every game. So I have to think about that and know it would be nice to win, but it’s really special.”
The two-time Australian Open champion added that she does plan to play in the 2022 Grand Slam schedule. Next for her is the French Open in May.
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