"The first few days on grass are always awful": Amanda Anisimova explains secret behind Queen's Club success

Amanda Anisimova opened her grass-court season with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over Laura Siegemund at the Queen's Club Championships, overcoming one of the tour's most unconventional opponents to book a place in the next round.

The American needed just over an hour to secure the win and continue a strong relationship with a tournament that produced one of the biggest results of her 2025 season.

The victory carries additional significance given Anisimova's success on grass last year. The American reached the final at Queen's Club during the tournament's return to the WTA calendar before backing it up with a run to the Wimbledon final, establishing herself as one of the most dangerous players on the surface.

While the scoreline suggested a comfortable afternoon, Anisimova acknowledged that facing Siegemund required a different approach. The German is known for disrupting rhythm through slice, variation and unconventional patterns, making her a difficult opening-round opponent despite the straight-sets result.

Anisimova's reward is a first career meeting with rising American Iva Jovic, who advanced earlier in the day. Ahead of that encounter, the former Wimbledon finalist reflected on her grass-court success, her affection for Queen's Club and the challenge of adapting to a surface physically demanding.

Although Anisimova controlled most of the match against Siegemund, she admitted she expected a difficult test from the outset. The American said the matchup was not necessarily ideal for her game style, knowing the German would attempt to force her into uncomfortable exchanges and prevent her from finding a consistent rhythm from the baseline.

Even so, Anisimova felt prepared for the challenge. Rather than becoming frustrated by the variety and awkward ball-striking that often characterises Siegemund's matches, she focused on staying disciplined and executing her own game plan. The result was one of the more convincing wins of the opening rounds.

"I know she likes to play a game style that sometimes doesn't match up great with my game," the world No. 6 said to Tennis Channel. "I knew she was going to give me really tough balls and she plays very tricky tennis. I was definitely ready for that."

The victory also marked Anisimova's first competitive outing on grass this season. After producing some of the best tennis of her career during last year's grass swing, she admitted she had been eager to return to the surface and test herself again in match conditions. "Honestly, I was just excited to get back out on the grass. I had a great season last year, so I was just looking forward to it."

Despite reaching major finals on grass, Anisimova revealed that the transition to the surface remains one of the most difficult parts of her season. Contrary to what many fans might expect, she described her first days of practice on grass as uncomfortable and physically demanding.

The American explained that adapting movement patterns takes time and often leaves her struggling during the opening phase of preparation. "It's kind of funny because the first few days on the grass when I practice are always awful and my legs are always hurting so much. Every time it's like that transition, it's like, 'Oh my God, this is so tough.'"

According to Anisimova, the breakthrough usually comes once competition starts. She believes the faster conditions complement her aggressive game style and allow her to play more instinctively, something that helped her reach finals at both Queen's Club and Wimbledon last season.

"Then once I start to get to the matches and start to compete, it just kind of clicks for me and I find my rhythm. I feel like it suits my game style and I'm trying to add coming into the net. So I feel like my game could really come together on the grass."

Anisimova also spoke warmly about Queen's Club, describing the event as a special stop on the calendar. Beyond her run to the final last year, she pointed out that the tournament represented the return of WTA competition to the historic venue and remains one of the most enjoyable environments she experiences during the season.

She praised both the facilities and the atmosphere around the event, highlighting why she was eager to return to London for another grass-court campaign. "It was my first-ever final on grass, so that's already special. It was the first time that we, as a WTA, played here at this club. It's a privilege to get to play here. The courts are so beautiful and the club is amazing as well."

Next comes a new challenge against Jovic, one of the most promising young American players on tour. The pair have never met before, but Anisimova is already familiar with her compatriot's game and expects a demanding contest.

"I've never played her before," the 2-time Grand Slam finalist said. "I know she's a great player playing some great tennis. I really like to watch her as well. I feel like she doesn't really miss much, so I'm sure it'll be a great matchup for me."

"It's always fun to play someone new and learn something new. So I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure it'll be a great match."