Amanda Anisimova's hot streak on grass continues with confident win over Bianca Andreescu

Amanda Anisimova thwarted Bianca Andreescu's aspirations, securing a strong 6-4, 6-3 victory in the first round of the WTA 500 Berlin Ladies Open. The American remains in excellent form on grass courts – after reaching the final of the Queen’s Club Championships – and had no trouble quickly dispatching the former US Open champion.

Anisimova's form over the past year has been impeccable, with 24 wins and 11 losses, in addition to winning her first WTA 1000 title at the Doha Open in February this year. The American is fighting for a spot in the top 10 while being one of the best performers so far this grass-swing.

The world No. 13 had been in good form in recent weeks. She reached the fourth round at the French Open, only to fall to Aryna Sabalenka. Last week, she was a finalist in s’Hertogenbosch, losing to the impressive Tatjana Maria. Nevertheless, she now boasts 8 wins in her last 10 appearances on Tour.

The first set quickly tilted in favor of the world No. 13, who secured an early break and went up 3-0. Anisimova was highly efficient with her serve, landing 79% of her first serves and winning 74% of those points. The American advanced to 5-2 without major issues, even hitting a streak of 11 consecutive points on her serve. Andreescu showed resistance from the baseline, and while she held her service games without much dispute, containing her opponent on return was almost impossible.

However, at the moment of closing, Anisimova was up 5-3, 30-0, when Andreescu gained momentum and saved two set points before securing a break that gave her hope. This, however, was short-lived; when she served to level the set, Anisimova's strong returns from the baseline ultimately gave her the set 6-4.

Andreescu managed to keep pace with her opponent, but it became difficult against Anisimova's great serving consistency. Both started the second set by holding their serves, but the break for the American would come sooner rather than later. She broke in the 4th game and then advanced to 4-1 on her serve. Anisimova was relentless in closing out the victory and gave her opponent no break opportunities.

In fact, the American conceded only three points on her serve throughout the set, and the single break she secured was enough to seal the 6-4, 6-3 victory after an hour and 6 minutes and advance to the second round. She will face Poland's Magdalena Frech – who upset Mirra Andreeva in the first round.