By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, Might 30, 2025
Picture credit score: Robert Prange/Getty
Beginner artist Amanda Anisimova is portray an inspiring clay comeback in Paris.
Anisimova defused Clara Tauson 7-6(4), 6-4 to cost into the Roland Garros fourth spherical for the primary time since 2022.
Ranked a career-high No. 16, Anisimova greater than doubled the harmful Tauson’s winner whole—38 to 16—and broke serve thrice.
Contesting her seventh Roland Garros, Anisimova arrange a blockbuster rematch towards world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Earlier, Sabalenka tamed tough lefty Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-3 powering into the Roland Garros fourth spherical for the third straight yr.
Three-time main champion Sabalenka has surrendered simply 10 video games in three match wins as she appears to be like pushed to gather her maiden Roland Garros title.
The 23-year-old Anisimova is 5-2 lifetime vs. Sabalenka, profitable three of their 4 clay-court clashes.
The fourth-round match is a rematch of the 2019 Roland Garros that noticed Anisimova sweep Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2. A then 17-year-old Anisimova electrified Paris that summer season reaching the semifinals and taking a set from eventual-champion Ash Barty earlier than bowing in three units.
Controlling the middle of the courtroom—and enjoying proactive down the road drive can be two keys when Anisimova and Sabalenka sq. off for a quarterfinal spot.
“We’re each some fairly massive hitters, so I am certain we will be going at it forwards and backwards a bit,” Anisimova mentioned. “Yeah, [she’s] clearly the most effective proper now.
“She’s No. 1. I really feel prefer it’s at all times a superb matchup. I actually benefit from the struggle and the problem that she brings on. I am simply wanting ahead to it. Hopefully I can carry my A sport. Hopefully it is going to be a superb match.”
Twelve People—seven girls and 5 males—superior to the Roland Garros third spherical. It’s solely the second time since 1991 (14) that 12 or extra People have reached the third spherical on the French Open.
Anisimova, who defeated 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, to win the WTA 1000 title in Doha earlier this yr, is having fun with her finest season after struggling burn-out that compelled her to step away from the game and pursue her love of artwork.
Tennis had grow to be “insufferable” for her after experiencing burn-out for the reason that summer season of 2022, mentioned Anisimova.
“I wasn’t actually feeling nice in October of 2022 I believe,” Anisimova mentioned. “So it was fairly some time. It took a very long time for me to make that call. Clearly it is a massive determination to step away from the sport I believe at any level.
“It would not matter if it is in the midst of the season or the preseason as a result of we actually by no means get break day.”
Lately, Anisimova appears to be having fun with herself extra on courtroom and has managed her schedule to offer herself extra psychological breaks.
You’ll be able to hint Anisimova’s present pleasure experience again to final August.
Crunching photographs with conviction, Anisimova shocked second-seeded Sabalenka 6-4, 6-2 to advance to her maiden WTA 1000 semifinal in Toronto—her first Tour-level semifinal since 2022 Charleston. World No. 139 Anisimova turned the lowest-ranked girl to achieve the Canadian Open semifinals since then No. 937 Sloane Stephens in 2017 and has continued to soar since.
Count on the balls to be bruised when supreme shotmakers and explosive energy gamers face off.
Apparently, Anisimova has scored all three of her straight units wins this week on the comfy confines of Court docket 14 the place she’s loved robust help.
Dealing with world No. 1 Sabalenka, probably on Court docket Philippe Chatrier, offers Anisimova an opportunity to showcase her sport on the most important crimson clay stage within the sport.
“It is at all times particular to play somebody who’s ranked No. 1 on this planet. It is not usually you get to do this, so I actually attempt to embrace the chance and the expertise,” Anisimova mentioned. “Will probably be on a giant courtroom, too. I like enjoying on massive stadiums.
“I am simply going to attempt to go in there and actually benefit from the ambiance and benefit from the crowd. And, yeah, attempt to put up a struggle.
“I would say it is at all times somewhat bit extra totally different and particular whenever you play towards the highest gamers.”
