In an unexpected turn of events, the Amanda Anisimova, the world No.3, stumbled in her opening match of the 2026 season at the Brisbane International. The American tennis star, who had shown promise with a win over Olivia Gadecki in the previous round, was ousted by Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk in a straight-sets victory.
The match, which took place on January 8, 2026, saw Marta Kostyuk successfully navigate through the stronger Anisimova, winning 6-4, 6-3. This victory sent Kostyuk into the quarterfinals of the tournament, marking a significant milestone in her career as it was her third Top 3 win.
Kostyuk has now improved her record against the American to 3-1, showcasing her growing stature in the tennis world. Anisimova, on the other hand, has had a less than ideal start to the season, but her resilience and talent are sure to keep her in the spotlight as the season progresses.
The 2026 Brisbane International tournament has been marked by several impressive performances, including Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk who both fought back from a set down to secure victories. The tournament also featured a notable match between Dayana Yastremska and Leylah Fernandez, where Yastremska delivered a convincing win with straight sets. Other players like Jessica Pegula and Liudmila Samsonova also had strong showings, with Pegula emerging victorious in a three-set battle against Anna Kalinskaya.
As the tennis season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on both Amanda Anisimova and Marta Kostyuk. This early exit for Anisimova might serve as a wake-up call, driving her to work harder and come back stronger. Meanwhile, Kostyuk's victory is a testament to her skill and determination, setting the stage for more thrilling matches in the future.
Amanda Anisimova's performance, though underwhelming in this instance, is just one chapter in her illustrious career. The tournament continues, and with it, the anticipation of more gripping matches and unexpected outcomes, keeping the tennis world on its toes.
