Amanda Anisimova opens up on her relationship with Emma Raducanu before they do battle at the Australian Open.
There were concerns around the American’s health ahead of the Grand Slam after she pulled out of her Hobart International quarter-final due to illness.
But she recovered well and took to the court at the Australian Open, where she is making her sixth appearance.
Sporting a new look at Melbourne Park, the American coasted to a 6-2, 6-3 victory over María Lourdes Carlé to start her campaign, and she will now face a Grand Slam champion in round two.
What is Amanda Anisimova’s relationship like with Emma Raducanu?
If Amanda Anisimova wants to reach the third round of the Australian Open, she faces a tough test against former British number one Emma Raducanu.
The 23-year-old overcame 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in two tiebreak sets to set up her first meeting against the World number 35.
This match both players will be looking forward even more given their friendship, something Anisimova elaborated on after beating Lourdes Carlé.
“We’ve both been around the tour. We’re the same age. We also have a mutual friend, Priscilla Hon. We’ve hung out a few times all together. She’s a nice girl,” she said.
“She’s always bringing a good energy into the room. Yeah, also an amazing competitor. I’m looking forward to the match. I’m sure it will be a good one.
“I’ve never played her before, but she’s obviously a great player, a very intelligent player. I’m sure it will be a very tough match. I’m looking forward to it.
“She’s a friend of mine, so it will be a bit interesting. But I’m sure that we will both give it our all. I’m looking forward to the battle.”
Emma Raducanu overcomes serving woes a to reach Australian Open second round
Raducanu began her Australian Open with an impressive win over Ekaterina Alexandrova.
The Brit struggled on serve as she committed an uncharacteristic 15 double faults, including one when serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
But Raducanu’s storing mentality shone through and claimed a 7-6(4) 7-6(2) win in two hours and 16 minutes.
“I think it had a mind of its own,” said Raducanu. “As more [double-faults] kept coming, it was not easy to refocus, but I knew that even if I was down, I had great returns.
“It was good to be able to rely on other parts of my game today that I know are quite strong, as well. I’m just very proud that I didn’t let it affect me too much and let the match run away from me.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
