“She always brings high-quality tennis”: Amanda Anisimova previews Emma Raducanu clash at Indian Wells

Amanda Anisimova anticipated an intriguing clash against Emma Raducanu after recovering from a slow start to defeat Anna Blinkova 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 in the opening round at Indian Wells. The American overturned a difficult first set before dominating the remainder of the match, setting up a compelling second-round meeting between two players known for aggressive baseline tennis.

The victory allowed Anisimova to settle into the tournament after an uneven start, with the American gradually adapting to the conditions at Indian Wells. The desert event has often presented mixed results for the 22-year-old, who previously acknowledged having a complicated relationship with the courts and the often unpredictable wind.

After dropping the opening set against Blinkova, Anisimova raised the intensity of her game, attacking earlier in rallies and reducing the Russian’s ability to dictate play. The shift quickly changed the momentum of the match, as the American conceded only one game across the final two sets.

Speaking after the match, Anisimova said the turnaround came after she adjusted to the court speed and wind while leaning more heavily on her aggressive style of play. “I think I picked my level up. Got used to the conditions a bit and tried to get some energy going,” the 2-time WTA 1000 champion said during her press conference. “I feel like, yeah, I tried to play more aggressive, which is my game style. Yeah, I'm just happy I was able to pick it up. Yeah, it was a tough match against a tough opponent. Happy to be through.”

Indian Wells has often presented unique challenges for players due to its slower hard courts and frequent desert winds. For Anisimova, learning to adapt to those conditions has been an ongoing process across several appearances at the tournament. “I kind of have a love/hate relationship with the courts here,” the world No. 6 explained. “I had a great run when I was 16 and played well and really found my rhythm that year and was playing really well and felt really comfortable.

She recalled a strong run at the event earlier in her career while acknowledging that the environment can produce mixed results. The American explained that her familiarity with the tournament has gradually improved her ability to adjust tactically and mentally when conditions become difficult.

Anisimova believes the courts can ultimately suit her game, particularly when she manages to control rallies and maintain consistency from the baseline. “There were other times with the conditions, with the wind here it can get difficult. I mean, I haven't played this tournament that many times, and I feel like with each year that I play, I kind of learn something about how I can adapt better, how I can ease my game to my advantage.”

She added that the victory provided a psychological boost early in the event, particularly after navigating the shifting conditions that often influence matches in the California desert. “Yeah, today was a big confidence booster, in a way. I was able to figure it out and kind of adjust to the courts. So hopefully I can build off of that. I'm a player who likes to gain momentum throughout the tournament, so I'm hoping that that will be the case for the week.”

Anisimova will next face Emma Raducanu, setting up another meeting between two players who have previously contested competitive matches on the WTA Tour. The American won their most recent encounter last summer and believes the key was executing her preferred style of play.

“I think the last time I faced her I was just playing really well," the American mentioned. "I played the way I wanted to play. Yeah, at the end of the day, I mean, there is a certain way I like to play. I think I also had found my rhythm."

Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, remains a dangerous opponent capable of producing high-quality tennis when she finds rhythm early in matches. Anisimova acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence that playing her own aggressive game would be essential again.

"I think it might have been the second or third match I played last year. Yeah, it was a great match. She's not an easy opponent to face. She always brings high-quality tennis.”

Another factor Anisimova highlighted after the match was the influence of the crowd. Competing in the United States often brings additional support, and she described how the atmosphere can help her regain momentum during difficult moments in matches.

The American said the presence of spectators plays a significant role in her performance, especially in high-profile tournaments such as Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open. Even during challenging stretches, hearing the crowd respond can serve as motivation to raise her level. “Yeah, for sure, I don't think I would be able to play if there wasn't a crowd. I'm someone who loves to ride off of that energy. I feed off of it. I love playing in packed stadiums when I see there's a lot of people coming out to watch.”

Anisimova noted that although she does not typically try to actively engage or “hype” the crowd, the reaction after important points can help shift her mindset when a match begins to slip away.

“When I win a big point, when I'm down like 4-1 like today, and the whole crowd is kind of cheering for my name, that's kind of when I use it, like okay, come on, show them some better tennis and try to put up a fight. Yeah, I love matches like that when there is a fight. So that's why I was trying to even out the score and just get myself back in the match.”