MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- All of 17, never the winner of a Grand Slam match until this week, Amanda Anisimova is making quite a first impression at the Australian Open. Anisimova showed precisely why there are those who consider her a possible future star, producing one spectacular shot after another Friday to upset 11th-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-3, 6-2 and reach the fourth round. ''I want to win this tournament,'' Anisimova said, tapping her right index finger on a table for emphasis at her post-match news conference. ''Right now.'' She is the youngest American to get this far at Melbourne Park since Jennifer Capriati in 1993 - and at any Grand Slam tournament since Serena Williams at the 1998 French Open. Pretty heady company. ''This is an unreal feeling,'' Anisimova said. ''I can't believe that this is happening right now.'' Believe it, kid. She captured a ton of attention on Day 5, when defending champion Caroline Wozniacki was knocked out by 2008 champion Maria Sharapova 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Another American woman, 35th-ranked Danielle Collins, joined Anisimova in earning a debut trip to the round of 16 at a major with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over No. 19 Caroline Garcia. Up next for Collins will be three-time major champion and former No. 1 Angelique Kerber, who needed less than an hour to overwhelm 240th-ranked Australian wild-card entry Kimberly Birrell 6-1, 6-0. At the 2006 U.S. Open, when she was 19, Sharapova became the most recent teen to claim a Slam title. Anisimova grew up cheering for Sharapova - they now share an agent - and would love to match her feat of winning a major before age 20. Who would doubt her? ''I respect her a lot, because I think she's young and has a great game. I mean, she's really proving what she can do,'' said Sharapova, who sat at the same table as Anisimova at their agent's wedding last year. ''She has a really bright future ahead of her.'' Story continues It's not just that Anisimova, who was born in New Jersey and is based in Florida, has knocked off two seeded players already, including the hard-hitting Sabalenka, who was many a pundit's pick for a deep run at Melbourne Park. Or that she's dropped a measly total of 17 games through three matches. It's the way the 87th-ranked Anisimova - there is no one younger in the WTA's top 100 - is doing it, with clean and dangerous shotmaking and impeccable court coverage. Take the shot - shot of the match? Of the tournament? Of the year so far? - that she produced at 3-0, 15-all in the second set. It was a 12-stroke exchange in which Sabalenka held the upper hand throughout, steering Anisimova from corner to corner. It culminated with one sprint by Anisimova to her right for a forehand, then a sprint to her left for a backhand, followed by yet another switch of direction for a sprint back to her right. Her momentum carried her well wide of the doubles alley as she conjured up a ''How did she do that?!'' squash-like forehand that looped past Sabalenka and somehow landed in a corner for a winner, drawing raucous appreciation from the crowd at Margaret Court Arena - and an ever-so-slight smile from Anisimova. ''I'm really feeling good out here,'' said Anisimova, who is coached by her father, as well as the same person who's worked with her since she was 9. ''I'm playing some really good tennis.'' That's an understatement. She delivered more winners than Sabalenka, 21-12, as well as fewer unforced errors, 13-9. Anisimova won all eight of her service games, saving the lone break point she faced. She broke the hard-serving Sabalenka four times. Anisimova's first trip to Australia, and third appearance in the main draw at a major, now progresses to Week 2 and a matchup against two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who beat Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-4. On a rainy afternoon that saw the roofs closed on the three main courts, and play delayed on smaller arenas, Sharapova advanced to face No. 15 Ash Barty of Australia, while 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens beat No. 31 Petra Martic 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) and now meets Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia. In the men's draw, Roger Federer dispatched one youngster and set his sights on facing another. The 37-year-old Federer, seeking a third consecutive title in Melbourne, dismissed 21-year-old Taylor Fritz of the U.S. 6-2, 7-5, 6-2. Federer now takes on 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, who eliminated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4. ''We all want them to win all the big stuff, but it just takes time,'' Federer said about the newest generation of challengers. ''I'm still giving them a hard time, sometimes.'' Also advancing was the man Federer beat in last year's final, Marin Cilic. He overcame two match points - opponent Fernando Verdasco double-faulted one of them away - and erased a two-set hole to win 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8), 6-3 in a contest that lasted more than 4 hours and ended just before 1 a.m. Cilic, the 2014 U.S. Open champion, now faces No. 22 Roberto Bautista-Agut, a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 winner against No. 10 Karen Khachanov. Rafael Nadal beat 19-year-old Australian Alex de Minaur 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 and now gets 2010 Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych. Frances Tiafoe, an American who turns 21 on Sunday, got to the fourth round at a major for the first time by defeating Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-7 (3), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Tiafoe now meets No. 20 Grigor Dimitrov, who is being coached by Andre Agassi. --- Follow Howard Fendrich on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrich --- More AP Tennis: https://www.apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports<doc-sep>MELBOURNE, Australia -- Before Wednesday, American teen Amanda Anisimova hadn't seen the second round at a Grand Slam. Heck, she'd never been to Australia before arriving in Melbourne last week. But after a dominant 6-0, 6-2 win over No. 24 Lesia Tsurenko in the second round, Anisimova, who has won all four of her sets, has folks wondering just how far into the draw she can go. "When I got on court, I was focused," Anisimova, 17, said about Wednesday's match. "I was really relaxed and my game was really on today. I felt like a lot of competitiveness came out. I want to let my opponents know I'm here to stay and play a long match, so I'm going to fight for every single point." Currently the youngest player ranked in the top 100 and the 2017 US Open junior champion, Anisimova had an encouraging 2018 season in which she made the fourth round at Indian Wells and the third round in Cincinnati. Born in Freehold, New Jersey, to Russian-born parents, Anisimova moved to south Florida with her parents and older sister, Maria, at age 3, and for most of her career has been coached by her father, Konstantin. At 5-foot-11, Anisimova is known for her aggressive game and powerful serve, as well as a calm focus well beyond her years. At Indian Wells, the then-16-year-old used all of those tools to defeat two top-25 players, including then-No. 9 Petra Kvitova, who was in the midst of a 14-match win streak. "That tournament definitely opened my eyes that I can play at a really top level," Anisimova said. "It was a confidence-booster, but it was also motivation, like I want to do this again. I want to get better and better. That was a great start to the year." Unfortunately, a fractured bone in her right foot kept her out of competition for the next four months. She returned to tennis in July after spending a month training at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, and by the end of the season, was ranked in the top 100 for the first time in her career. (She's currently No. 87.) "I trained a lot and prepared myself really well in the offseason, so I think I've got a lot of confidence right now," said Anisimova, who next plays 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. "It's great that I made it past two rounds here, but I want to keep going. This year, I want to make a huge breakthrough and I think I can do it. Hopefully I'll get to do some sight-seeing after the tournament, because so far, I've just been concentrated on playing. I just want to keep winning." Anisimova wasn't the only up-and-coming American to win Wednesday. Here's a look at how the rest of the U.S. players fared: Frances Tiafoe def. No. 5 Kevin Anderson 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 Frances Tiafoe is only the third American man in the past 15 years to beat a top-five seed at the Australian Open. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images Frances Tiafoe rolled up his right sleeve, flexed his biceps and proceeded to bang the muscle on his right arm several times. "It was pretty cool," he said afterward. "I was talking with my boy Zach [Evendon, his coach] about it. Some celebration, like you do for the new year. In the offseason, I'm more worried about winning tennis matches. It is kind of an instinct thing. I hope the crowd liked it." If the celebration was unusual, the performance was stunning. From a set and a break down, Tiafoe, 20, outplayed last year's Wimbledon runner-up, fifth seed Anderson, to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. Tiafoe, who equaled his previous best Slam run by reaching the third round of the Australian Open, called it one of the biggest wins of his career. "It means the world to me," a beaming Tiafoe said. "I lost to Kevin three times last year. Then a set and a break down, it looked as if he was going to get a fourth win. I just went to a different place. The fact that it was a Grand Slam, second seed I beat, obviously a top-five player, it's pretty big." Tiafoe's father emigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone in 1993 and his mother followed him three years later, escaping the civil war. When Tiafoe was a year old, his father began working as a janitor at a tennis facility, and later, Tiafoe and his twin brother, Franklin, learned to play tennis. It is just over six years since Tiafoe became the youngest player ever to win the the Orange Bowl, the most prestigious junior event in tennis. Since then, the American has made solid progress, climbing to a world ranking of 39 in 2018, a year that saw him beat several top players, including Juan Martin del Potro, his idol, on his way to his first ATP Tour title in Delray Beach. That week was an indication of his talent; Wednesday's win was a hint that Tiafoe might just be ready to take the next step, a deep run at a Grand Slam event. "I've been telling you guys, last year, I had a lot of wins," Tiafoe said. "Had a rough end to the season. Good offseason. Those are the matches I feel like I'm dangerous. I always play pretty good in those situations. I've been in those situations quite a lot. I'm starting to feel more comfortable finishing the match, not just playing a match." Earlier this month, Tiafoe found himself playing alongside Serena Williams for the United States in the Hopman Cup, including a match against Switzerland, led by Roger Federer. With the pair on opposite sides of the net, 43 Grand Slam titles were on the court and it was an experience he enjoyed. "I think that week definitely helped me long run," Tiafoe said. "We hit a lot, and I was struggling. She hits the ball so hard. The courts are fast. It was skidding. I mean, a little topspin maybe. I'm not used to the ball coming in that flat. That was something I really had to adjust to." Tiafoe plays Andreas Seppi on Friday. Taylor Fritz def. No. 30 Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) With his upset of Gael Monfils, Taylor Fritz reached his second straight round of 32 at a Grand Slam. AP Photo/Andy Brownbill Broken only once in a 3-hour, 24-minute affair, Fritz won his first career Grand Slam match against a seeded player (1-7). Fritz cracked 47 winners (16 fewer than Monfils) but played cleanly throughout the four-set battle. "It being a Grand Slam, this is one of the best wins of my career," Fritz said. "So I'm happy to get through." It won't get any easier for the 21-year-old American. On Friday, he faces Roger Federer. They played once, in Stuttgart, Germany, two years ago, and Fritz took a set off Federer before succumbing late in the third set. Fritz was only 2 years old when Federer played his first professional match. "Really cool to step on the court with him again," Fritz said. "I'm excited for the opportunity. ... I grew up watching a lot of the guys I play today. Can't tell you how many times I watched Monfils highlight reels on YouTube." Danielle Collins def. Sachia Vickery 6-3, 7-5 Danielle Collins hit eight aces to take out fellow American Sasha Vickery at the Australian Open. AP Photo/Aaron Favila Collins is a little older than most of the "next generation" of American players, but she's still only 25. Collins continued her stellar play through two rounds. A round after upsetting No. 14 Julia Goerges, Collins served strongly, and her all-around aggressive play was too much for Vickery. A two-time NCAA singles champ at the University of Virginia, Collins had never won a Grand Slam match before this tournament. Collins next takes on 19th-seeded Caroline Garcia.<doc-sep>The Czech veteran had too much power, mobility and court craft for her young adversary, who came in much-fancied after beating two seeds to reach the fourth round. Kvitova needed just 59 minutes to take care of business breaking Anisimova five times while facing no break points on her own serve. WTA Charleston, SC Barty battles past Rogers into Charleston quarters, Muguruza, Kvitova out 09/04/2021 AT 08:27 Kvitova lost to Anisimova in Indian Wells in March of last year and said she was well aware of her opponent's talent. Kvitova: It's been a while since I made the second week “I played much better than last year for sure," Kvitova said on Eurosport. I knew it would be a tough match for me. Someone you have lost before it is always kind of difficult to play her again, but I started pretty well and nerves went a little bit out. The two-time Grand Slam winner claimed the Sydney title earlier this month and hopes to return to her best level after a disappointing 2018. Highlights: Kvitova crushes Anisimova “I’m trying to continue my performance from Sydney and I feel good," she said. "It’s really important for me, I am really enjoying the time to be on the court and play tennis which is the main thing for me. “It’s been a while to be in the second week and playing the quarter-final of a Grand Slam so I’m really enjoying it.” Kvitova: I'm here to play - not think about world No. 1 Left-hander Kvitova booked her first quarter-final appearance in Melbourne since her run to the 2012 semi-finals and first at a Grand Slam since the 2017 U.S. Open. She will face Ashleigh Barty in the quarter-finals. WTA Charleston, SC Muguruza, Kvitova ease through to last-16 in Charleston 07/04/2021 AT 08:49<doc-sep>
Sandra Harwitt Special for USA TODAY Sports MELBOURNE — Amanda Anisimova arrived at the Australian Open having never in her life won a main draw Grand Slam match in two previous appearances at majors. The 17-year-old from Miami now leaves Melbourne having rectified that situation in grand fashion, journeying all the way to the Australian Open fourth-round before being turned back by eighth-seeded Petra Kvitova 6-2, 6-1 on Sunday. Disappointed to lose? Yes. Disappointed with her overall performance? Definitely not. After all, she departs Australia having put her name on the tennis map. "It's a very positive week for me," said the 87th-ranked Anisimova. "I did really well here, so I’m very proud about that. It’s a little bit frustrating because I lost and I don’t think I played that well. Petra came out really fired up and she’s playing amazing. It’s always fun to play one of the best in the world." Anisimova was well aware she became an immediate sensation back home after she upset 11th-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus on Friday. Articles were being written, she was trending on social media, and fans wanted to know if she could become the next Maria Sharapova. In fact, she and Sharapova shared a first conversation — in Russian, she says — at the wedding of their shared agent, Max Eisenbud, at the end of last year. The questions regarding Sharapova are inevitable because Anisimova’s roots are in Russia, although she’s never been to the country. Her father was in finance before the family moved to the United States. Her sister Maria, who is 13 years older, was born in the homeland, but she was born in New Jersey. While Anisimova does speak Russian with her parents, she cannot read or write the language. Questioned as to why so many young players with Russian heritage, such as Alexander Zverev of Germany, Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, Denis Shapovalov of Canada, Sofia Kenin of the U.S., and herself, are doing well, she seemed at a loss for an answer. "I don’t know. I guess Russians like to play tennis," she said, smiling. "Players from every country are tough. Look at Serena (Williams) and Petra. I don’t think it’s a specific country or Russian roots. "There are so many Americans who fight so hard. I was born American." In her preparation for the match against Kvitova, however, Anisimova had to look away from her computer. "I had to log out of my accounts every couple of hours because it was kind of distracting. I was trying to focus on my next round, but there was a lot going on." It’s not surprising that Kvitova was well-prepared to play Anisimova here. She had been caught a bit fatigued the only other time they played in the Indian Wells third-round last year, and the Czech lost that encounter 6-2, 6-4. She wasn’t going to make that mistake again. Anisimova is mature and composed and knows enough about playing in the big leagues to understand that a prior victory provided no guarantees. "You know, I had a win under my belt, but that doesn’t mean anything," she said. "I was going out today as if I never played her because I knew she would go out and play her best." Anisimova came here hoping to win a first Grand Slam match, so her results far exceeded her expectations. She believes she’s learned a great deal about her game from these four matches. "I definitely want to become a better athlete," she said. "I think my movement has definitely gotten better, but I want to (improve my) fitness a lot more and become a lot stronger." Most players of Anisimova’s age who have advanced to main draws at the top-level tournaments are frustrated by the restrictive caps the WTA puts on players under 18 and how many events they can play. Anisimova can play 16 tournaments, the Fed Cup team competition if nominated by her country and the WTA Finals if she qualifies for that elite eight-player draw. "I think it’s a smart idea," said Anisimova. "I like taking my time and really developing right now. These are really crucial years for me. I really hope to become a really good athlete someday. So taking my time and not rushing is a good idea for me." Follow Sandra Harwitt on Twitter @TennisGrapevine.