Emma Raducanu’s Australian Open rival briefly quit tennis after ‘giant boobs’ jibe before undergoing transformation
EMMA RADUCANU will face Amanda Anisimova in the second round of the Australian Open – with her opponent back on court after taking an eight-month break.
The Brit, 22, battled through her opening match to defeat 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 7-6.
Next up will be American Anisimova, who beat Maria Lourdes Carle 6-2 6-3 in round one.
Anisimova, 23, reached the semi-finals of the French Open as a 17-year-old and will provide a stern test for Raducanu.
The American is No35 in the world, having returned from an eight-month mental health break at the beginning of last season.
During her hiatus she completed a term at college and even proved to be a talented painter.
Prior to her mental health break, Anisimova received hideous online taunts from trolls regarding her body.
After sharing a mirror selfie in May 2023, she received a vile Instagram message reading: “The most unathletic body ever! Narrow shoulders and giant boobs.”
Anisimova initially replied “Thank you” with a blowing-a-kiss emoji.
She then posted a screenshot of the exchange, adding: “Idk what to think? Lol.
“The amount of people who comment on my body every day on social media…. will never understand what the hyper fixation is about.”
Upon making her return in Auckland last year, Anisimova said: “It was just nice to take a break from the chaotic lifestyle of a tennis player and reset as a human.
“I think that break and having more than two weeks off for the first time in my life was just very refreshing.
“I gained a lot of energy back in myself and happiness. I slowed my life down and that’s something that I really needed.”
Boasting one of the most lethal backhands in the sport, Anisimova will prove to be a difficult opponent for Raducanu.
Fans tuning into the match will notice that she has transformed her look, by dying her blonde hair brunette.
Revealing her change she posted a mirror selfie, captioning it: “Why not?”
Anisimova reached the fourth round of last year’s Australian Open, before falling to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Following her win over Alexandrova, Raducanu pledged to try to get her serve under control, having hit 15 doubles faults across two sets.
She said: “I mean honestly, I’m not sure what I changed in my serve today.
“I think it had a mind of its own so I will be sure to reflect and look at that.”