Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open rival shut down trolls’ jibes over ‘big chest’
Amanda Anisimova will face Emma Raducanu in the second round of the Australian Open, with the two players having formed a close friendship away from the tennis court
Emma Raducanu’s next opponent at the Australian Open, Amanda Anisimova, once clapped back at trolls who slammed her for having an ‘unathletic physique’ and ‘giant boobs’.
The American ace is set to face off with Britain’s tennis darling in a second-round clash on Thursday (January 16) after cruising past Maria Lourdes Carle. Anisimova is gunning for an upset to secure her spot in the third round.
Two years ago, Anisimova was left livid when she hit back at body-shamers on Instagram. After sharing a mirror selfie that attracted some nasty comments, she put one troll on blast by posting their DM: “The most unathletic body ever, narrow shoulders and giant boobs.”
Her sassy reply? A simple “thank you” and a smooch emoji, reports the Express. In another Insta story, the 23-year-old was seen blowing a kiss with the words: “But enjoy your life, I’ll go enjoy mine.”
She also opened up about the constant body commentary online, saying: “The number of people who comment on my body every day on social media… will never understand what the hyper fixation is about.”
Anisimova burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation, storming into the French Open semis at just 17 in 2019. She’s no stranger to making waves Down Under either, having knocked out Naomi Osaka en route to the fourth round at last year’s Australian Open.
Raducanu and Anisimova are set to face off in a highly anticipated match, with their friendship adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Speaking about their relationship, Raducanu revealed: “Usually when we’re hanging out, we’re not talking about tennis. I think it’s good to keep it that way. I think we’re going to be playing each other many more times in the future.
“This is the first time and it’s going to be a good match. I think she’s a tough opponent. She took some time out, obviously, off the tour for mental health reasons and just to find herself again.”
Anisimova, reflecting on her time away from the sport, shared: “I think that performing well at a young age definitely comes with its perks and also some challenges. I feel like you learn a lot of things along the way.
“There are a lot of lessons that I had to learn. You grow up very quickly, but at the same time I feel like that really prepares you for your career. We both have so much ahead of us.
“I feel like, when I play these Slams, I handle the nerves better because I’ve been on so many big stages at a young age. I wouldn’t trade all the memories I had from when I was younger.”