MELBOURNE, Jan 24, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Amanda Anisimova ramped up her Australian Open title charge with a 6-1, 6-4 beating of fellow American Peyton Stearns on Saturday to reach the last 16 in imperious fashion. The fourth seed defied a Melbourne Park heatwave to run out a comfortable winner in 71 minutes in roasting sunshine. "I had a lot of fun today playing in front of you guys, especially a lot of American supporters." Anisimova steamrollered the 68th-ranked Stearns in the first set at Margaret Court Arena. The 24-year-old Stearns held up the victory charge in the second set as Anisimova wobbled on her serve.
