American pro, Amanda Anisimova beats Japanese star Naomi Osaka in a stunning Australian Open match. After both players put up a great performance, Anisimova emerged victorious 4-6, 6-3, 6-6 (10-5). 

The defending champion crashed out of the third round, and now the 20-year-old unseeded Anisimova will be going up against Ashleigh Barty, the top-seeded Australian, in the final 16. 

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The 24-year-old Osaka accepted her defeat graciously, smiled, and shook Anisimova’s hand, crediting her opponent for the fantastic show at Melbourne Park. 

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After the victory, Anisimova said “I’m speechless, I absolutely love playing in Melbourne … honestly it’s so much fun … I mean, I can’t stop smiling even though I should be serious, I can’t help smiling, some of the stuff you guys say sometimes … Going into this match I knew I had to be playing sharp if I wanted to give myself a chance, Naomi is always going to be playing well … she’s an absolute champion … I knew I had to step up my game and be aggressive and I think that’s what I did in the second set. Honestly I’m so grateful that I was able to play so well today and get this win, it means a lot. Honestly, stepping on to the court, all I’m thinking about is having fun … every single day here is just an amazing experience and opportunity for me, I’m so grateful to be playing on this court … I’m just having fun and getting on the win on this day is a huge bonus, I’m just looking forward to my next round.” 

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Notably, when the American pro goes up against the Australian, Barty, Anisimova has her job cut out for her. Barty is yet to drop a set this week, following her  6-2 6-3 victory over Camila Giorgi of Italy.