Here’s a full breakdown of what’s going on with Amanda Anisimova preparing for revenge against Aryna Sabalenka ahead of the warm-up to the Australian Open / 2026 season
🎯 What’s happening now: Anisimova enters warm-up event
Anisimova has confirmed entry into Brisbane International — a traditional “lead-in” / warm-up tournament before the Australian Open — joining a star-studded field that includes Sabalenka (among others such as Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys).
For Anisimova, this represents the first tournament of her 2026 campaign — an opportunity to build momentum and re-establish form ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Many see this as a “revenge tour” of sorts: Anisimova wants to turn the page after a tough 2025 Grand Slam final defeat to Sabalenka.
📊 Their recent history: rivalry, recent results & psychological edge
✅ How Anisimova has fared vs Sabalenka
Over their head-to-head history before 2025, Anisimova had a winning record over Sabalenka (winning 6 of their first 9 meetings) according to some reports.
Notably, Anisimova scored a big win over Sabalenka in the 2025 Wimbledon Championships — beating her in the semifinals 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
❌ But setbacks as well
Later in 2025, Sabalenka got the better of Anisimova when it mattered most: at the US Open final, Sabalenka beat Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) to defend her US Open title.
In that match, Anisimova struggled with unforced errors and inconsistency, which undercut her aggressive baseline game.
🤔 Mental & strategic dynamics
After her Wimbledon win, Anisimova spoke about renewed confidence and mental growth — saying the difference in 2025 was believing she belongs among the elite, rather than playing scared.
At the US Open final loss, she admitted she “didn’t fight hard enough” and attributed some of the problem to poor shot selection under pressure.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, after losing at Wimbledon, used those losses at major finals (Australian, French, Wimbledon) as fuel — determined not to leave 2025 “empty-handed”.
🔥 What Anisimova’s “revenge mission” signifies
This isn’t just the start of a new season — for Anisimova, it’s emotionally charged: after reaching two Grand Slam finals in 2025 and falling short at both, the Brisbane International offers a “reset button.”
Given her history with Sabalenka, a deep run (or a win) would serve as a statement that she’s ready to challenge for majors again — potentially more dangerous thanks to her improved mental game and resilience.
For fans and analysts, a rematch (or even more clashes this season) between them carries added intrigue: power vs power, experience vs resurgence, and the psychological weight of past finals.
🧠 What to watch out for in their next meetings
Factor Why it matters
Anisimova’s mental composure In previous high-stakes matches, she’s shown flashes of brilliance (Wimbledon 2025), but also vulnerability under pressure (US Open final 2025). Her ability to stay steady will be key.
Sabalenka’s consistency & defensive improvements After suffering big losses, Sabalenka seems determined to tighten up — control her errors and stay mentally grounded. That could blunt Anisimova’s aggressive style.
Form & momentum coming into tournaments Anisimova enters 2026 with confidence and a desire to build momentum via warm-up tournaments. Early form could set the tone for major events.
Surface & conditions Hard courts and the fast conditions in Brisbane/AO suit both — but whoever adapts quicker will have edge.
Head-to-head history + pressure of expectations The rivalry and past results add psychological layers; who handles them better may have the edge.
✅ Bottom line: Why this storyline matters
The upcoming Brisbane International (and eventual Australian Open) isn’t just a regular tournament for either — it represents a potential turning point. For Anisimova, it’s about redemption, confidence-building, and proving she belongs at the top. For Sabalenka, it’s about reaffirming dominance after tough losses and showing her resilience.
As a tennis fan, this rivalry could deliver high-stakes drama early in the 2026 season — powerful serves, heavy groundstrokes, psychological duels, and maybe even the first major final of the year.