Amanda Anisimova has began emerging as a real player to watch reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open last year and becoming the first player born in the 2000's to reach a major semi-final at the French Open.

For Anisimova though due to her background, the comparisons are there with Maria Sharapova. For the 18-year-old American though, it is about carving out her own legacy.

"I don't feel like there's any pressure," Anisimova said. "It's actually really nice and gives me a little bit of confidence when people compare me to her and say those kinds of things.

"She's an amazing athlete and has accomplished so much so to have people believe in me like that is really nice but in my own future I just want to be the next Amanda.

"We still have our differences but when it comes to people comparing me to her it's a huge compliment."

A lot of talk will be about the French Open being played in September this time around and for Anisimova, she is looking forward to returning to the site of her brilliant run last year.

"I'm really looking forward to it if that ends up taking place. Playing without fans is going to be difficult and coming to France after the run last year will be nice.

"But at the end of the day we have to look at the fact that at least I'm playing and the tournament is happening so I just have to be thankful to that."

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