THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 2, 2022

Amanda Anisimova

Press Conference

A. ANISIMOVA/C. Gauff

6-7, 6-2, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Amanda, great win today. Give us your thoughts.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, it was super tough match today, but it was extremely special to get to play on Centre Court for the first time in my life. I was trying to soak in every moment that I had. It was extremely special.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. We saw a big reaction from you at the end. Was that because it was the first time on Centre Court? Talk us through what you were feeling.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, I think so. Just being here all week and seeing Centre Court, it's just so amazing to just be around it.

I was extremely happy that I got to play on it today. Yeah, I was just coming in today super excited. I was kind of visualizing playing on it. Then I saw how packed it was. It was just extremely special. Especially after last year, I wouldn't have pictured myself in this position just coming off of so many losses last year. Having this moment, it just means a lot to me.

Q. What are your thoughts about playing on the 4th of July?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Wait, what's the day?

Q. It's Monday.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, I'll be playing then.

It's pretty exciting. Maybe my friends back home will be having a party and watching me. That's pretty cool.

Q. There are several Americans, if you think about the men's and women's side, who are advancing to the 4th of July. What do you think that might do to alter plans for people for Independence Day back in the States?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: It's super exciting how many Americans are doing well and have advanced here so far. I think we have a ton of strong players. Even today playing against Coco, I think that's extremely exciting and good for our country to play on Centre, both being American. I think it was an extremely good match.

I'm just proud of my country for having so many great players.

Q. How much better than your ranking do you feel like you are right now?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: I mean, I think that I can play very high-quality tennis and put up a good fight against anybody. At the end of the day it's about the consistency and how well you do at each tournament. It's still something that I'm working on. Just getting far into tournaments, I had a couple quarterfinals this year where I think I could have gone past it.

I just try to take the experience. I'm just here for the journey so I'm building off of that.

Q. You probably haven't seen, but on No. 1 Court Iga Swiatek has finally lost to Alize Cornet. Can you give us an idea of what makes her such a tough opponent on grass.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, Alize is a very experienced player. I think her game is particularly good on grass. She's had some good results. I remember she got to the final of Berlin last year when I lost to her.

Yeah, she can play very well on grass. Iga has had an amazing year. I think it was time for maybe her to lose at one tournament.

But, yeah, it is surprising, but at the end of the day she can't win everything. Hopefully I can rewatch it and see how it went. I'm sure it was a good match.

Q. How important is it for you to beat someone of your similar generation? I noticed in the third set you really went for it, basically hit her off the court. How important is it for you to have dominance over her in particular?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: It's kind of funny because we played a US Open junior final. We've had a couple matches. I think that we'll be playing a lot in the future. It's an exciting rivalry. I will always enjoy playing against her.

I think she's an amazing athlete and I enjoy watching her personally. I respect her a lot.

In the third set honestly I was cramping in my leg, so I was trying to be more aggressive. Also the wind kind of calmed down so I was able to go for my shots more. In the first set if I was going for them, the wind would just make it go long.

It was a tricky match. It was very tough conditions-wise. It was constantly changing and you had to adapt every second and just be focused on what's going on.

Q. What does it say about the depth of talent on the tour that two huge talents who are in great form can go out on the same day?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Well, there are a ton of highly skilled competitors at the moment. I mean, it's a Grand Slam. All the players are very difficult to play against.

I mean, yeah, they got to the finals of a Grand Slam, but last year a lot of different players were winning each tournament. So, yeah, we have a lot of, I mean, high-quality tennis going on.

I'm looking forward to my next round because I'm sure it will be just as tough.

Q. You lose a tight tiebreak, then we see a swing in momentum. Do you feel that as a player? Do you feel more confident midway through the second set or are you taking each point as it comes?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Well, it's obviously uneasy to lose a first set 7-6 and bounce back after that. It's extremely difficult.

But I was just trying to slow down the pace and just really take it one moment at a time. Of course, I was a bit more tired after that first set. It was just kind of slowing down. I could feel that the wind kind of calmed down as well so I was able to play my game a bit more.

Q. This is the first year at Wimbledon without middle Sunday. What are your thoughts?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: What is that (smiling)?

Q. Nobody plays on Sunday in the middle.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Nobody plays on Sunday?

Q. Used to be like that.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Huh.

THE MODERATOR: It's the first time this year they're officially playing on the middle Sunday.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: But why? I'm confused. Normally tomorrow they would not have any matches?

THE MODERATOR: Yes.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Sorry, my tennis IQ is not very high to know that (laughter).

I would have to know more info on why would they not do that this year.

Q. You alluded to your next match, it being tough. What are your thoughts on what Harmony Tan has accomplished so far and your match with her?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, actually I played against her at French Open. Yeah, it's really nice to see her go far in this tournament. I'm sure it's very special for her.

She is a tough opponent. Yeah, I'll come up with a game plan with my coach and, yeah, just enjoy the moment and being in the fourth round.

Q. What do you make of her style of game?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Well, I'll look at some of her recent matches. It was a while ago that I played her. I haven't really seen her play very recently. I'll just look.

It's more important on how I'm playing. That's what I try to focus on, what I'm doing, just kind of sticking to my aggressive game style.

Q. The physio coming on at the end after the match finished. What was happening there?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, it was because I asked for like salt drinks in the third set because I was cramping. She came out to give me some stuff.

Q. Did you see the match that Tom played with Serena?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, I did watch it. I was in the Dog & Fox watching it.

I didn't see the ending. I just saw a little bit. I really wanted to see Serena play. Yeah, it was really cool to see her back. I was really looking forward to it.

I know that was an incredibly tough match, probably emotional on both sides.