Amanda Anisimova finds it "enjoyable to accept the challenge"
WTA
Amanda Anisimova has reflected on her recent triumph over Aryna Sabalenka at the 2022 Madrid Open and explained that she relishes the challenge of facing the world's best.
Anisimova stunned reigning Madrid Open champion Sabalenka in the first round with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory. Moreover, it marked the American's first-ever career win over Sabalenka, following four previous defeats against the Belarusian player.
Now, with a second-round clash to look forward to, Anisimova hopes to go further after failing to progress further than round one in Madrid in previous outings. Following her victory over Sabalenka, the American stated that challenging herself against some of the top players is a confrontation she enjoys.
"It's always enjoyable to accept the challenge, even when it's a tough match, and push yourself and see how far you can go. I enjoy these matches, even though they're very tough ... especially when you get to win them."
Anisimova has produced some strong performances so far in 2022, which began with a title win at the Melbourne Summer Set in January. The 20-year-old bested Aliaksandra Sasnovich across three sets in the final to win her second career title to date.
She then progressed to the round of 16 at the Australian Open - her best Grand Slam showing since reaching the Roland Garros semi-final in 2019. Anisimova also reached the Charleston Open semi-finals before heading to the Madrid Open this week.
Despite showing glimpses of top form in the early stages of the 2022 season, Anisimova admitted that she is not getting ahead of herself in Madrid yet. The 20-year-old acknowledged that she is likely to face more top-level opponents in the tournament and is determined to focus on her own game.
"Every match here is going to be tough, so I'm just going to go out and play my tennis, and hopefully, I can get through it."
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