Future number 1?

The ambition and the level are there in any case...

First match for the American sensation! What a beautiful 2025 season which, on top of her being, I think, the best returner in the world, has brought her a lot of maturity. Taking 6–0 6–0 in a Grand Slam final has to be either traumatic or motivating. I think she chose the second option! Two Grand Slam finals, two WTA 1000 titles… A well-deserved top 3.

The local player, very popular with the crowd, is defending a quarterfinal here. A very solid start and end to the season, but a big slump in between. A completely missed US swing. There’s going to be some big hitting on both sides, but I’m afraid Amanda’s returning qualities will neutralize her main weapons. If she serves well, the result will be brutal. Their only previous meeting ended with just five games for the Australian. Historically, Amanda always starts her seasons a bit timidly, but this time, after 2025, I feel like that won’t be the case. The crowd will be there at Pat Rafter Arena, but I doubt that will be enough today.