A triumphant return✨ @AnisimovaAmanda returns to tour with a first-round win over Pavlyuchenkova, 7-5, 6-4 in Auckland! #ASBClassic
"I woke up with muscle spasms in my shoulder": Amanda Anisimova's comeback nearly didn't happen prior to Pavlyuchenkova win
WTATuesday, 02 January 2024 at 01:00
Amanda
Anisimova secured a notable victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, defeating
her 7-5, 6-4 in the 2024 ASB Classic. This marked Anisimova's first match in
nine months after taking a hiatus from the Tour. The American faced challenges
in 2023 due to injuries and a lack of consistency, prompting her to take a
break for her mental health.
Despite the
extended absence from competition, Anisimova clinched an impressive win against
the Russian, who was a finalist in the 2021 Australian Open. The 22-year-old
athlete revealed in the on-court interview that she almost didn't play due to
physical discomfort in her shoulder earlier in the day.
Former
world No. 21 is hopeful that the 2023 season will propel her back into the
higher echelons of the rankings. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to
commence her season in Brisbane, stating, "I’m so happy to be here. I love
this tournament. It’s so nice to start the year out here."
Read also
Anisimova physical issues before debut
Anisimova
expressed her happiness after the victory, particularly for being available to
compete: “I knew that it was gonna be a really tough match, playing against
her, and I’m just happy that I was able to pull off the win and played some
good tennis,” the former French Open semifinalist said.
“Honestly,
in the morning I woke up with muscle spasms in my shoulder. I didn’t think I’d
be able to play today. I was just so upset, and I have the wildcard for this
tournament, so I was just like ‘I really want to play for myself today,’ but
also for the tournament,” she added.
“I was
really appreciative of them giving me the opportunity, so I was really happy
that I was even able to play because until the last second I wasn’t sure. I’m
just proud of myself for coming out here & really pushing myself,”
Anisimova concluded.
Her next
match will be against the 5th seed Marie Bouzkova (world No. 35), who defeated
Magdalena Frech in the first round by 6-0, 3-6, 6-4. Anisimova aims to continue
gaining match practice before her participation in the Australian Open. Despite
being ranked world No. 338, the American gained entry to the main draw thanks
to her protected ranking.
Amanda Anisimova after winning her first match back: “I’m so happy to be here. I love this tournament. It’s so nice to start the year out here… honestly in the morning I woke up with muscle spasms in my shoulder. I didn’t think I’d be able to play today.. I’m just proud of…
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