Australian Open 2013: Highlighting Top Breakout Performers for 2013

With the quarterfinals underway in Melbourne, it's time to give credit to the breakout performers at the 2013 Australian Open.

Melbourne has seen its share of thrilling victories and upsets over the course of the last week and a half.

Let's highlight the best breakout performances from the 2013 Aussie Open:

Kevin Anderson

Even though South Africa's Kevin Anderson is no longer competing at the 2013 Australian Open, he still qualifies as a breakout performer.

After fighting his way through the first two rounds, Anderson found himself matched up with the world's 25th-ranked player, Fernando Verdasco, and came out on top (h/t ESPN Tennis):

"

Former University of Illinois standout Kevin Anderson has upset No. 22 Fernando Verdasco in the third round #AusOpen #ESPNTennis

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) January 18, 2013"

Heading into the match with the Spaniard, Anderson wasn't given much of a chance, but ultimately proved his worth to the tennis world when he outlasted Verdasco, 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2. 

This was Anderson's deepest run at the Aussie Open, making him a breakout performer in 2013.

Svetlana Kuznetsova

Along with names like Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova finds herself in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Aussie Open.

So what makes Kuznetsova a breakout performer?

How about a victory over a former No. 1-ranked player.

Kuznetsova ousted Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 in the fourth round in what was one of the biggest upsets in Melbourne. 

If the Russian defeats Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals, it'll mark Kuznetsova's deepest run at the Australian Open in her career.

Nicolas Almagro

Despite a 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 loss in the quarterfinals to David Ferrer, Nicolas Almagro had a nice showing at the Australian Open.

While Almagro may have shot himself in the foot against Ferrer, he had a string of convincing wins leading up to the quarterfinals and certainly gave Ferrer a run for his money with a trip to the semifinals on the line. 

ESPN Tennis points out how close the match was:

"

#Hold After eight breaks in the fourth. three straight holds to start the fifth set between #Ferrer and #Almagro. #AusOpen #ESPNTennis

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) January 22, 2013"

The 2013 Aussie Open was the 27-year-old's deepest run in Melbourne, easily making him one of the best surprises in the tournament.

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