- Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula both secured first-round wins at the Australian Open.
- Anisimova defeated Simona Waltert in 63 minutes while Pegula beat Anastasia Zakharova in 66 minutes.
- Both players expressed their appreciation for the crowd and the Melbourne atmosphere.
- The victories position Anisimova and Pegula for potential second-round matchups against McCartney Kessler and Katerina Siniakova/Panna Udvardy, respectively.
Quick Wins in Melbourne
Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula made a statement at the Australian Open on Monday, winning their first-round matches with ease. Both players showcased their prowess on the court, securing victories that set them up for potential second-round clashes.
Anisimova’s Triumph Over Simona Waltert
Amanda Anisimova got things off to a strong start in her opening match at Margaret Court Arena, defeating Swiss player Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2 within an hour. The victory was particularly sweet for the American as she reflected on the special atmosphere of Melbourne.
“Thank you, guys,” Anisimova said after her win. “Thank you for all the love. It’s really, really good to be back here.
I feel like it’s my second home here in Australia. I love playing here.”
Anisimova’s fast start was evident from the early breaks of serve that she secured, taking a 2-0 lead after breaking Waltert’s service game. Despite the Swiss player’s valiant efforts to break back and maintain close competition, Anisimova managed to secure her second set with ease, leaving no doubt about her readiness for the upcoming rounds.
Pegula’s Clinch Against Zakharova
Meanwhile, at John Cain Arena, Jessica Pegula displayed a commanding performance against Anastasia Zakharova. The American ace breezed past her opponent in just 66 minutes, winning all of her service games and breaking Zakharova multiple times.
“That was a pretty ideal situation that just happened,” Pegula said after her win. “So that’s always good, you know. When those come around, you just take it.”
The match stats were impressive: Pegula won 78% of first-serve points and 64% of second-serve points, hitting 20 winners while managing to keep her unforced errors to a minimum. Her dominance in the match was reflected in the clean break points she secured, converting them into crucial wins that sealed the victory.
Looking Ahead
The victories for Anisimova and Pegula set up exciting potential matchups as they progress through the Australian Open. Both players now face their next opponents, with Anisimova facing either Katerina Siniakova or Panna Udvardy in the Round of 64, while Pegula is set to face McCartney Kessler.
The two-time Slam runner-up, Pegula, emphasized her satisfaction with this win and hinted at a promising future. “So yeah, when you get a good win and you play well, you just got to be happy about it, take it and move on,” she said, indicating her readiness to continue pushing for further success.
With the Australian Open in full swing, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses. The early successes of Anisimova and Pegula are a promising sign for tennis enthusiasts eager to see their favorite players perform at their best on one of the most prestigious stages in the sport.
