First, Tomljanovic is 2-0 against Anisimova. Granted, the first of those matches was played in Waco, Texas, in 2017, when Anisimova was all of 16. And granted, the second was played in San Jose in 2021, when Tomljanovic was in the Top 50 and on her way to a career-high of 32. But those wins still count evidence that she can handle Anisimova’s power.
Second, there have been signs of resurgence from Tomljanovic, and signs of regression from Anisimova, after her brilliant 2025. Small signs, in both cases. Tomljanovic has won two matches in each of her last two events, and she took Jasmine Paolini to three sets in Indian Wells. Anisimova, meanwhile, was beaten with surprising ease by Victoria Mboko last week.
Anisimova is all the things her superior ranking says she is: A cleaner ball-striker, a more powerful hitter, and a better all-around player. But Tomljanovic, who already has a win in Miami, can deal with pace, and may be due a signature 2026 win. Winner: Tomljanovic
