The Brisbane International has always been a launching pad for tennis stars eager to set the tone for the new season, and this year’s clash between Marta Kostyuk and Amanda Anisimova was no exception. On January 8, 2026, the Queensland Tennis Centre buzzed with anticipation as the 16th-seeded Ukrainian, Kostyuk, faced off against the American powerhouse and world No. 3, Anisimova, in a Round of 16 encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats. When the dust settled, it was Kostyuk who advanced, notching an impressive straight-sets victory, 6-4, 6-3, and sending a clear message to the rest of the WTA field that she’s ready to make waves this season.
Heading into the match, the head-to-head record since 2022 leaned slightly in Kostyuk’s favor at 2-1, but the stakes felt higher than ever. Anisimova, coming off a career-best 2025 campaign that saw her capture two WTA 1000 titles and reach the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, was widely tipped as a favorite not just for this tournament, but for the early hard-court swing. Her ascent to a career-high ranking of third in the world at the start of 2026 only added to the intrigue. Would Kostyuk be able to halt the American’s momentum?
From the opening games, it was clear that Kostyuk arrived with a plan—and a point to prove. She played with a blend of aggression and tactical discipline, matching Anisimova’s trademark baseline power with sharp angles and relentless defense. The Ukrainian’s movement was crisp, her serve reliable, and her ability to absorb and redirect pace proved pivotal. Anisimova, seeded second in Brisbane, found herself pressed for answers as Kostyuk dictated rallies and capitalized on key break points.
After sealing the first set 6-4, Kostyuk kept her foot on the gas. The second set saw her maintain composure even as Anisimova flashed glimpses of her 2025 form, rifling winners and pushing for a comeback. But Kostyuk’s resolve never wavered. She broke serve at crucial junctures, weathered the American’s heavy hitting, and closed out the match 6-3 to a raucous ovation from the Brisbane crowd.
In her on-court interview, Kostyuk’s joy was palpable. “It sounds like a new year!” she exclaimed, referencing the fresh start and her preparation for the season. “I practiced with Amanda like a week ago and she absolutely destroyed me in practice so I was coming into this match super ready. But obviously she’s an unbelievable player, and she had an amazing season last year, and I didn’t have the best season last year. I’m very happy to start like this, and I’m so happy because it’s my first time playing on centre court here. I played you many years, but I never got a chance to play here, but thank you so much. I was incredibly happy to come out on court and see a full stadium, it’s an incredible feeling always as a tennis player because this is what we’re playing for.”
For Kostyuk, this victory was more than just another tick in the win column. It marked her first appearance on Brisbane’s center court, and the energy of the packed stadium clearly fueled her performance. “I think I played really, really good, and you know, we did an amazing preparation with my team. And I feel, you know, everything that we’ve done is kicking in and it’s just the first week of the year so, you know, always happy to get the results so quick,” she added. “And, yeah, I mean, it was a great match, and I feel like, also, tactically, I played really good. Amanda is such a hard hitter. It’s really difficult to create something in the point, but very happy I managed to do that today, and yeah, it was a good match.”
Anisimova, for her part, exits Brisbane earlier than she would have hoped, but her recent track record speaks for itself. Her 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable: two WTA 1000 titles, deep runs at the Grand Slams, and a surge up the rankings that has established her as one of the sport’s premier talents. While her first tournament run of 2026 ends in the third round, there’s little doubt that she’ll regroup quickly, with the Australian Open looming large on the horizon.
The matchup between Kostyuk and Anisimova has quietly become one of the more intriguing rivalries on tour. Since 2022, they’ve faced off three times, with Kostyuk now holding a 2-1 edge. Each encounter has showcased their contrasting styles—Kostyuk’s all-court athleticism and tactical craft versus Anisimova’s raw power and fearless shotmaking. This latest chapter added another layer, with Kostyuk demonstrating that she’s more than capable of toppling the world’s best when she’s firing on all cylinders.
It’s worth noting the context of their recent journeys. For Anisimova, 2025 was a breakout year, but it came after a period of struggle, including a brief hiatus from the tour due to burnout. Her return to form has been widely celebrated in the tennis world, with many pundits tipping her as a dark horse for the Australian Open title. Kostyuk, meanwhile, admitted to a less-than-stellar 2025, but her performance in Brisbane signals a renewed sense of purpose and confidence as she looks to climb back up the rankings. Currently sitting at No. 26 in the world, the Ukrainian is seeded 16th in Brisbane—a testament to her consistency and potential for bigger breakthroughs.
The Brisbane International itself serves as a crucial warm-up for the Australian Open, drawing a deep field of talent eager to fine-tune their games before the first Grand Slam of the year. Big names like Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina have already made headlines with strong starts, and the spotlight now turns to whether Kostyuk can ride this momentum deeper into the tournament. For Anisimova, the early exit may sting, but it’s hardly a setback in the grand scheme—her eyes remain firmly set on Melbourne, where she’ll look to build on her 2025 Grand Slam successes.
As the action in Brisbane heats up, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Kostyuk’s game continues to evolve. Can she parlay this confidence-boosting win into a deep run? Will Anisimova bounce back with renewed determination at the next stop? One thing’s for sure: with performances like these, the WTA tour promises another season packed with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
For now, Marta Kostyuk basks in the glow of a hard-fought victory and the cheers of a full stadium—proof that, in tennis, every new year brings fresh opportunities and the chance for new stars to shine.
