Amanda Anisimova smashed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at the start of the WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland

Amanda Anisimova (USA) returned to court after a seven-month absence with a 2-0 (7:5, 6:4) win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia) in the first round of the women’s tennis tournament WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 22-year-old Amanda Anisimova, who has been struggling with burnout in recent months, showed a very good game considering her long absence. In the first set, Amanda Anisimova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova recorded a total of seven breaks, but in the second, the former Roland Garros semi-finalist stabilized her serve and this helped her win it 6:4.

In the second round, Amanda Anisimova will face the 5th-seeded Marie Bouzkova (Czech Republic), who defeated Magdalena Frech (Poland) by 2-1 (6:0, 3:6, 6:4).

Lesia Tsurenko, who is 3rd-seeded, advanced to the second round in Auckland. The Ukrainian defeated Sachia Vickery (USA) by 2-0 (7:5, 6:4).

In the next round, Lesia Tsurenko will face Diane Parry (France).

The 4th-seeded Emma Navarro (USA) continues to the second round. The American made a comeback against Linda Fruhvirtova (Czech Republic) with 2-1 (2:6, 6:4, 6:2).