Amanda Anisimova is feeling positive after winning return to tennis after overcoming an injury knock to progress at the 2024 ASB Classic in Auckland.
Anisimova returned to the courts for the first time since April 2023 after the American player announced that she was taking an indefinite break from the sport due to mental health reasons.
However, the 22-year-old showed no signs of rustiness at the ASB Classic as she cruised to a first-round straight-sets victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Auckland.
It was the ideal return for Anisimova, who set up a second-round tie against Marie Bouzkova at the ASB Classic following her victory.
When reflecting on the win, and her eight-month layoff from tennis, the American player admitted to feeling delighted about playing again, despite some injury concerns ahead of her match with Pavlyuchenkova.
"I’m so happy to be here. I love this tournament. It’s so nice to start the year out here. In the morning I woke up with horrible muscle spasms in my shoulder. I didn’t think I’d be able to play today."
"I’m just proud of myself for coming out here and really pushing myself."
Anisimova's return at the ASB Classic followed an uncertain period for the 22-year-old. The appearance on Monday against Pavlyuchenkova was her first since the Madrid Open in April when she lost in four sets to Arantxa Rus.
Shortly after that result, Anisimova shared that she was taking an extended break from tennis and cited reasons around burnout and a grueling WTA schedule for her walking away from the sport for an indefinite time.
However, the American player will now feel confident about her 2024 season after making a winning start. Anisimova previously showed plenty of potential before her career break last season as she reached the Roland Garros semi-finals in 2019 and climbed to 21 in the WTA rankings that year.
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