MATCH REPORT | 2024 ASB Classic: Amanda ANISIMOVA returns to tennis after eight months with dominant win

Amanda Anisimova is back and in business from the outset as the American eased past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4 for her first win in 316 days and her first action in eight months after taking most of 2023 off. But back and rejuvenated, she is in the winners' circle at the ASB Classic.

In May 2023, the American announced that she would be taking a mental health break citing fatigue, burnout as factors which she spoke openly about this week and the cycle of the tour really grinding her down. She even signed up for university in the mean time giving fans no sign that she would be returning anytime soon. But she started signing up for tournaments in the back end of the season and was gearing up for her return.

The superb power of Anisimova was on display throughout as the 22-year-old started with a break of serve. This didn't matter a great deal though as they broke each other's serve in five consecutive games after that. Pavlyuchenkova led 5-4 at one point and was two points away from the opening set.

But Anisimova surged and won three games on the spin to seal the opener 7-5. She followed up by going 5-1 up in the second set and was seemingly cruising towards the win. But Pavlyuchenkova won 10 out of the next 12 points to make it 5-4 as Anisimova struggled to get over the line. But she finally got another chance to serve for the win and didn't spurn it this time.

Next up will be Marie Bouzkova after the 7-5, 6-4 win and the desired match practice she would've wanted coming into Auckland is achieved so far.