American tennis player Amanda Anisimova humorously apologized to the Queen’s Club crowd following her straight-sets victory over Sonay Kartal on Wednesday afternoon. The eighth seed at the newly established WTA 500 event in west London displayed an impressive performance, winning 6-1 in the first set against the British No. 3.
Despite some back-and-forth breaks of serve in the second set, Anisimova raised her game just enough to secure a 6-3 win and advance further in the tournament. Earlier in the week, she began her journey at the iconic venue with a victory against another British player, world No. 162 Jodie Burrage.
After the match, Anisimova acknowledged the disappointment of the local fans. “I’m so sorry guys! It’s been some tough matches out here, but I feel like I’ve been playing some good tennis, and I’m really happy to be here,” she said during her post-match interview.
Kartal, although unable to find her rhythm, remained optimistic about her upcoming matches as she prepares for Wimbledon. She spoke of Anisimova’s strong game, stating, “It’s tough; with her game style, she hits a big ball, she can rush me. It’s harder to play my game style.” However, Kartal is looking forward to her next events in Nottingham and Eastbourne, emphasizing the positivity in her preparations.
Anisimova could potentially face another British player, her friend Emma Raducanu, if both continue to advance in the draw. Raducanu is set to play her second-round match against Rebecca Sramkova, aiming to join Anisimova in the later rounds. Should both players reach the semi-finals, they may be set for an exciting showdown.
Anticipation also builds for Anisimova’s next match against fellow American player Emma Navarro, who triumphed over Beatriz Haddad Maia in her last encounter. Anisimova acknowledged the strong pool of American talent and expressed that the upcoming match with Navarro would be a challenging battle, promising an exciting competition ahead.
The article highlights Anisimova’s impressive form and the camaraderie among the competitors, offering a hopeful outlook for both her and Kartal as they continue to compete in their respective pre-Wimbledon tournaments.