Amanda Anisimova is aiming to ‘adapt’ at Indian Wells as she looks to overcome humid conditions in bid to turn her recent form at California around.
It was a nervy opening round match for Anisimova as she overcame a slow start to defeat Anna Blinkova 5-7 6-1 6-0.
The victory meant that Anisimova is into the Indian Wells third round for only the second time in her career with the previous time happening in 2021.
After her win over Blinkova Anisimova detailed why she has a poor record in California and insists that it is all about adapting, “I think it’s just a matter of adapting. I think I’m a player who can play well on all surfaces as long as I pull all the things together for myself,” Anisimova stated in her press conference.
“Like you said, I kind of have a love/hate relationship with the courts here. I had a great run when I was 16 and played well and really found my rhythm that year and was playing really well and felt really comfortable. There were other times with the conditions, with the wind here it can get difficult.
“I mean, I haven’t played this tournament that many times, and I feel like with each year that I play, I kind of learn something about how I can adapt better, how I can ease my game to my advantage. I’m someone who likes to play on slow courts, as well, so I feel like this tournament can actually suit me very well.
“Yeah, today was a big confidence booster, in a way. I was able to figure it out and kind of adjust to the courts. So hopefully I can build off of that. I’m a player who likes to gain momentum throughout the tournament, so I’m hoping that that will be the case for the week. Yeah, I love this tournament.
“Hoping for a longer stay this time, but yeah, just enjoying every single day. Yeah, as you said with the clay courts, I think some players are just able to play on all surfaces, and I’m hoping to be a player that can do that.”
At Indian Wells, all sorts of weather conditions can be produced whether it be wind or the types of heat and humidity.
However, Anisimova isn’t focused on things that she cannot control as she looks to make the most of the good weather, “I mean, at the end of the day, like, you can’t control the weather, and I think it’s kind of fun, because it brings a challenge for all the players,” Anisimova acknowledged.
“I mean, I don’t think it’s fun for everybody. I personally like to try and adapt and adjust to certain challenges, but when you look out, I mean, it’s still paradise because of the scenery and how beautiful it is here. At least it doesn’t rain. So at least we have that.
“Yeah, it’s great to play here. You can’t really see it on the TV, I think, when it’s crazy windy or if there is a sandstorm it still looks beautiful. I mean, I love playing here. I think it’s very pretty at the end of the day despite the extreme temperatures or the wind. I still enjoy it.”
The two-time Grand Slam finalist will be hoping she can overcome the tricky conditions as she takes on Emma Raducanu in the third round.
Previewing the clash Anisimova admitted it will be a tough match against the British number one on Sunday, “I think the last time I faced her I was just playing really well,” Anisimova recalled of their last meeting which saw the American cruise to victory in Canada last year.
“I played the way I wanted to play. Yeah, at the end of the day, I mean, there is a certain way I like to play. I think I also had found my rhythm. I think it might have been the second or third match I played last year. Yeah, it was a great match.
“She’s not an easy opponent to face. She always brings high-quality tennis. Yeah, I have had some great matches was her. Hoping for another good one.”
Despite winning the last meeting, Raducanu leads the series 2-1.
