Amanda Anisimova is coming into her own at the Australian Open. On Friday, she defeated defending champion Naomi Osaka in a thriller, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5).

It was the second straight win against a seeded player after she defeated Belinda Bencic in the second round.

Anisimova played an aggressive style taking her shots against the Osaka serve and ripped 41 winners while firing 11 aces. She kept her poise after falling down a set against the four-time slam champion. She overcame a set, and a break deficit and would fight off two match points.

@getty images

“I just want to soak in this moment,” said Anisimova.. “It was an amazing match. It was very close. You know, there were a bit of nerves, and to play Naomi for the first time … it’s unreal, honestly.”

After winning the Australian Open title last season, Osaka skipped the French Open and Wimbledon to deal with some mental issues and many remember her tearful exit at the US Open. But she took this loss much more in stride.

“I fought for every point,” Osaka said. “I can't be sad about that.

“I'm not God. I can't win every match. I have to take that into account and know that it would be nice to win the tournament, but that's really special.

“I can't [expect] myself to win a Grand Slam at the start of the year every time.”       

Anisimova will look to keep her string of upsets intact as she faces top-seeded Ash Barty next.