Full Breakdown
Anisimova Advances Amid Weather Challenges at Miami Open
3/21/2026, 5:42:06 PM
Key Match Highlights
Amanda Anisimova, the sixth-ranked women's tennis player, successfully navigated through multiple weather delays to defeat 81st-ranked Ajla Tomljanovic at the Miami Open. The match, which took place on March 20, 2026, was marked by three rain delays totaling over two hours and two lost match points for Anisimova. Ultimately, she secured a 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 victory, allowing her to advance to the next round against Yuliia Starodubtseva, who progressed after No. 30 seed Cristina Bucsa retired due to a medical issue.
Background & Context
Anisimova's journey in tennis has been notable, particularly in 2025 when she reached the finals of both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon, finishing the season ranked No. 4. Born to Russian immigrants in Freehold Township, New Jersey, she moved to South Florida at the age of three and has developed a strong connection to the Miami tennis community. This year marks her eighth appearance at the Miami Open, where she previously achieved her best result in the round of 16.
Official Statements & Responses
Reflecting on the match, Anisimova expressed the mental challenges posed by the weather interruptions, stating, “It takes a lot of energy from us because we’re in that mindset of being ready to play and on the edge of our nerves.” Tomljanovic acknowledged the difficulties of playing in cold conditions, noting, “Once I get cold I need to get warm again,” while also praising Anisimova's resilience.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the matches, the weather has been a point of frustration for players and fans alike. Tomljanovic described the rainy conditions as “really annoying,” highlighting the impact on player performance and match flow.
Emerging Talents
In addition to Anisimova's performance, Ethan Quinn, a 22-year-old Californian, pulled off an upset against World No. 12 Casper Ruud, winning 6-4, 7-6 (9). Quinn attributed his success to a high first-serve percentage and aggressive play, stating, “I set the tone early and continued to play at that standard the rest of the match.” His victory was bolstered by strong crowd support, as he noted, “It was amazing… having this many fans out there, being an American, playing in Florida.”
What's Next
As the Miami Open progresses, Anisimova will face Yuliia Starodubtseva in the next round, while Quinn's victory sets him up for further competition in the tournament. The event continues to draw significant attendance, with a record single-session turnout of 17,391 despite the weather challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s definitely an honor to see my face and have a brand represent me like that.” — Amanda Anisimova
- “I was playing really aggressive tennis and I never let my foot off the gas.” — Ethan Quinn
- “To be honest, I didn’t remember that I even had a match point with all of the delays,’’ Anisimova said.” — Amanda Anisimova
The Miami Open continues to showcase the resilience of its athletes amid unpredictable weather, highlighting both established stars and emerging talents in the sport.
