Emma Raducanu will go up against one of her good friends at the Australian Open.

Emma Raducanu will face Amanda Anisimova in the next round of the Australian Open

Emma Raducanu’s upcoming opponent at the Australian Open once hit back at trolls who slated her with comments about having an ‘unathletic physique’ and ‘giant boobs’.

Amanda Anisimova will go up against Raducanu in the second round on Thursday, having breezed past Maria Lourdes Carle in her opening match. She will be hoping to pull off an upset by downing her British opponent to book her place in round three.

Two years ago, Anisimova issued a brutal response to online trolls making comments about her body on social media. It came after she posted a candid mirror selfie on Instagram, which was met with some unsavoury replies.

The 23-year-old has been targeted by trolls commenting on her appearance (Image: GETTY)

She posted a screenshot of a direct message she had received on her Instagram story, which read: “The most unathletic body ever, narrow shoulders and giant boobs.” Anisimova responded nonchalantly with a simple ‘thank you’, followed by a kissing emoji.

In another story, the 23-year-old posted a picture of herself blowing a kiss to the camera alongside the caption: “But enjoy your life, I’ll go enjoy mine.”

She added: “The number of people who comment on my body every day on social media… will never understand what the hyper fixation is about.”

Anisimova made an impressive start to her career, reaching the semi-finals of the French Open at just 17 years of age in 2019. She has also enjoyed success at the Australian Open, beating Naomi Osaka on her way to the fourth round in 2022.

It remains to be seen if she will be able to secure another high-profile victory against Raducanu, with the pair having become good friends over the last few years.

Previewing their upcoming clash, Raducanu said: “Usually when we’re hanging out, we’re not talking about tennis. I think it’s good to keep it that way. I think we’re going to be playing each other many more times in the future.

“This is the first time and it’s going to be a good match. I think she’s a tough opponent. She took some time out, obviously, off the tour for mental health reasons and just to find herself again.”

Reflecting on her break from tennis, Anisimova explained: “I think that performing well at a young age definitely comes with its perks and also some challenges. I feel like you learn a lot of things along the way.

“There are a lot of lessons that I had to learn. You grow up very quickly, but at the same time I feel like that really prepares you for your career. We both have so much ahead of us.

“I feel like, when I play these Slams, I handle the nerves better because I’ve been on so many big stages at a young age. I wouldn’t trade all the memories I had from when I was younger.”