Anisimova impresses in opening win at Indian Wells, over Krunic

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Amanda Anisimova already makes winning look easy. The 17-year-old moved past Aleksandra Krunic, 6-0, 6-4 in her opening round on Wednesday.

Anisimova has 120 points to defend this week, having enjoyed the first big breakthrough of her career at the BNP Paribas Open last year by reaching the round of 16—complete with an upset of Petra Kvitova. On Wednesday, she didn't look held back by pressure and expectations, as she reeled off seven games in a row against the world No. 52-ranked Serbian.

When Krunic finally managed to get a game early in the second set, she walked over to a ball boy for a hug. She needed it after enduring Anisimova's consistent onslaught of big serves and even bigger groundstrokes.

"I was playing really consistent," Anisimova said. "In the second set we had some really long games. I was struggling with that, but I'm happy I got through this round."

On top of her well-rounded game, the American has the ability to read points really well; she takes her opportunities when she sees them, like stepping in to rip swinging volleys out of the air or slamming a winner down the line.

Krunic plays a more crafty and defensive game style, and while she managed to lengthen and win some games in the second set, she was always at the mercy of Anisimova's dictating power. In the dicier moments at 3-3 and 4-4, Anisimova didn't falter. That may be what's most impressive about the world No. 67 so early in her career: she can confidently win important points to close out clutch games.

So it makes sense that the big wins have been building for the teen. She reached her first WTA final near the end of last year, in Hiroshima, and at the Australian Open, she made a run to the round of 16 with an upset over Aryna Sabalenka, before losing to Kvitova.

In the desert, No. 16-seeded Elise Mertens may be Anisimova's next victim.

"I think you just have to be focused for playing every point. That's what I want to working on this week," Anisimova said. "As well as enjoying it and having fun."