Anisimova’s most lethal weapon, her two-handed backhand, combined with her devastating groundstroke rhythm, helped her finish the match in just one hour and 11 minutes.
“It’s always been my best shot,” he said of his backhand.
“I love using it. I love going to the line, but I also like crossing. So, I think it’s hard to predict where I’m going to hit and that’s why I think that makes it so special.”
The Floridian was the third American of the day to advance to the round of 16, joining Jessica Pegula, who defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva, and defending AO champion Madison Keys, who recorded a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Karolina Pliskova.
Saturday’s soaring temperature, reminiscent of outdoor training courts during a hot Miami summer, was not enough to faze Anisimova.
“I think it’s just the fact that we had so many outdoor courts in the summer,” he said.
“It was always so hot. I hated training in the summer, but you know what? At least it was worth it a little bit. But it’s great to play here and even when it’s so hot, it’s nice to have a challenge.”
