Amanda Anisimova Lauds Aryna Sabalenka for Showing Her Fun Side Off Court: “She’s Broken Some Boundaries as World No.1”
Amanda Anisimova has played against Aryna Sabalenka 11 times on the tour, winning six of those fixtures.
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L: Amanda Anisimova, R: Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/#AusOpen, HQ Pics)
Amanda Anisimova opened up about her friendship with Aryna Sabalenka after her straight-set first-round win over Simona Waltert at the 2026 Australian Open. Sabalenka, who is chasing her third title at Melbourne Park, always has a focused look on her face when she is on the court competing.
But off the court, the World No.1 is full of enthusiasm and doesn’t shy away from displaying her lively personality, for which she was greatly praised by Anisimova. The World No.4, who filmed a TikTok video with Sabalenka and Paula Badosa after her match, talked about the importance of having a friendly atmosphere on the tour.
I feel like I have a lot of good relationships on tour. That’s really important personally for me. We’re around each other more than our own families and friends most of the time. It’s important to have those relationships and be able to have fun off court. I really like that about Aryna and Paula, that they’re able to maintain a fun environment when we’re outside of match play.
Amanda Anisimova said at the press conference
It was Anisimova whom the Belarusian defeated in straight sets in the final of last year’s US Open to defend her crown. In their head-to-head matchups, the 27-year-old trails 5-6, last meeting her in the semifinals of last year’s WTA Finals, which Sabalenka won.
Yeah, for sure. I love the fact that she’s at the top and is ranked No.1. Obviously, she maintains a very professional attitude, but at the same time, she showcases that you’re allowed to have fun and be goofy off the court. I feel like she’s broken some boundaries in that aspect of being able to have a good balance.
Amanda Anisimova added
Anisimova will next be locking horns with Katerina Siniakova, who is also the No.1 player in doubles. The two-time Grand Slam finalist has never reached the quarterfinals of the Melbourne Slam.
Mirra Andreeva on the difference between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s personalities
Even Mirra Andreeva was asked to describe Aryna Sabalenka and what it means to have a World No.1 who is not a closed-off person and is more social. The 18-year-old compared both Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, who is an introverted person.
Also, I think that all of the people are different. For example, when Iga was the number one in the world, we all know she’s more like a quiet person. She does everything well on the court. I feel like she’s maybe more closed. I think we are different people. She is kind of, I don’t know, active. Aryna is active and likes to talk a lot. She does TikToks and videos. There is a place for everyone.
Mirra Andreeva said
The eighth seed knocked out Donna Vekic in three sets to schedule a second-round clash with Maria Sakkari. The teenager, the winner of last year’s Dubai Open and Indian Wells, will be aiming to make the quarterfinals in the first Major of the season for the first time.
Swiatek survived an early scare to secure a straight-set win over Yue Yuan. The six-time Grand Slam champion, who double-bageled Amanda Anisimova in last year’s Wimbledon final, needs just the Australian Open to complete the Career Grand Slam. The two-time semifinalist in Melbourne will next be locking horns with Marie Bouzkova.
Sabalenka was the winner here in 2023 (beat Elena Rybakina) and 2024 (beat Qinwen Zheng). She made the final last year as well, but Madison Keys ruined her three-peat dream. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion eliminated Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the first round and is set to square off against Zhuoxuan Bai next.
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