Playing just her second tournament after a seven month break from the game, Amanda Anisimova is through to the second week at the Australian Open.

The 22-year-old American stepped away from the game last May citing struggles with burnout and her mental health after a difficult few years which saw her lose her father and a drop in her form and confidence.

Now back for the start of the 2024 season, Anisimova is through to the fourth round of the in Melbourne for the third time in her career after being unsure about what to expect from herself.

“I’m really proud of myself. I wasn’t sure should I expect to do well because a lot of people were telling me, Don’t put too much expectations on yourself. You’ve taken a lot of time off. Don’t get too down on yourself if you don’t do well at these tournaments. I kind of took that in a little bit, but I still expected a lot out of myself,” the American told the press in Melbourne.

“But at the same time I was going to be happy whether I lose in the first round or if I do well. So I was going in with that approach. I’m just really happy that I was able to get this far, but I still think that I can do more. Yeah, I’m just happy working with Mark. He’s been really good working with me mentally. I think we’ve been doing a lot of great work, so I feel really good about it.”

She’s an amazing competitor. She’s had a great year. I know she’s going to be coming in hot, playing well.

Amanda Anisimova on her fourth round opponent, Aryna Sabalenka

Anisimova, who has also been a semi-finalist at the French Open in 2019 and a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon in 2022, is trying to ensure she does not let the hype or hate on social media affect her as her comeback gathers steam.

“Of course, I’m going to be getting a lot of attention on social media I guess, being in the second week of a slam, but that’s never really bothered me. I’ve been in the second week quite a couple of times. Yeah, it doesn’t really affect me much, and I don’t really go on my phone all that much. I just talked to my friends and family and try and stay away from all the other stuff. I’m going to go training tomorrow and then take care of that. Then focus on my next match,” she added.

Anisimova’s next challenge will come in the face of Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 2 and defending Australian Open champion. The American holds a 4-1 edge over the Belarusian but their last three matches have all gone to three sets.

“She’s an amazing competitor. She’s had a great year. I know she’s going to be coming in hot, playing well. So I’m expecting a really good match. We’re both very big hitters, so it always ends up being an enjoyable match to watch and also for us to play I think. I’m just really looking forward to it. I think it will be a good experience.”