The newest chapter in the pair’s head-to-head rivalry was written on Thursday at the Mutua Madrid Open, when Amanda Anisimova defeated Sabalenka 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the first round, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s title defense.

Anisimova improved to 4-0 versus Sabalenka after a one-hour, 55-minute victory, with three of those victories coming on clay.

The American had also failed to win in both of previous visits to Madrid, losing in the first round of qualification in 2019 and the first round of the main draw the previous year.

“It’s always fun to take on a challenge, even if it’s a difficult match, and push yourself to see how far you can go,” Anisimova said after winning.

“I enjoy these matchups, despite how difficult they are… especially when you win them.”

Anisimova showed up to her billing by overcoming adversity late in the match, winning eight of the final ten points after losing a 4-1 lead in the decisive and eight straight points in three successive games.

Next up for Anisimova is a second-round match against Croatia’s Petra Martic, who defeated Stuttgart semifinalist Liudmila Samsonova 7-6(6), 6-1.

The two have met twice throughout their careers.

“She’s also a fierce competitor,” Anisimova remarked. “Every match here will be difficult, so I’m just going to go out and play tennis and try to get through it.”