Anisimova upsets defending champ Naomi at Australian Open

Amanda Anisimova (R) and Naomi Osaka Kyodo News

Amanda Anisimova upsets defending champion Naomi Osaka in third round of Australian Open

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/21/22

Neither the defending men's nor women's singles champions in the Australian Open will be taking part in the round of 16, as 14th-ranked Naomi Osaka was upset by 60th-ranked Amanda Anisimova in the third round on Friday, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-5).

Reigning men's singles winner Novak Djokovic lost his final appeal to participate in the Grand Slam event despite being unvaccinated against COVID-19 on Sunday.

Anisimova, a 20-year-old American, saved two match points in the pivotal third set and capped off the stunning victory with an ace. She registered 46 winners against just 21 for Osaka.

"I knew I had to be playing sharp if I wanted to give myself a chance," Anisimova said, per ESPN.

Anisimova will next face the top-ranked women's player in the world, Ashleigh Barty of Australia, in the fourth round. Barty is looking to become the first Australian woman to win her home championship since Christine O'Neil accomplished the feat in 1978.

More must-reads: