As she took to Centre Court in all-American assignment against Coco Gauff, 20-year-old Amanda Anisimova was arguably the big match debutant.

It not only marked Anisimova’s first appearance in the third round at The Championships, but it was also her maiden appearance on the world’s most famous tennis court.

Gauff, by contrast, had progressed to the second week on two occasions, and was competing on Centre Court for the fifth time. 

But as she warmed to the occasion against the highly touted 18-year-old, the No.20 seed emphatically showed her ability to shine on the big stage.

Over two hours and seven minutes of suspense filled tennis, the older American maintained positivity and fine-tuned her aggression to emerge with a 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-1 win.

Falling flat to the hallowed turf as she soaked up the moment, an emotional Anisimova happily articulated how much her victory had meant. 

“It’s the most special day, I think, of my career,” she beamed to warm applause from the crowd. “It’s just a huge privilege to play on this court.

“Before the match, I was just trying to prepare myself to soak in this moment whether I win or lose. Winning today is just so special.”

It had been a difficult start for Anisimova as Gauff’s trademark power and athleticism combined to give her an early service break and a 3-1 advantage.

But the swirling wind was also a factor, as were Anisimova’s impressive groundstrokes. Wielding them with power, mostly from the baseline, she worked hard for a first service hold and applied pressure when Gauff dipped slightly in the fifth game.

The first of multiple momentum swings followed as the teenager surrendered the important break with a double fault. Anisimova seized control by claiming four games straight to a take a 4-3 lead.

Gauff inevitably challenged. A missed forehand smash helped the teenager set up break point opportunities and she capitalised to level the extended first set amid a flurry of Anisimova errors.

Gauff found another gear in the tie-break, coming from 1-4 down to secure the first set after an hour and four minutes.

But while the younger American is a Grand Slam finalist, at Roland-Garros last month, Anisimova is also showing remarkable consistency at major level. 

Following her own semi-final appearance in Paris in 2019, she has reached the fourth round of both Grand Slams this year. At the Australian Open, she saved two match points to upset defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round. 

Underlining her tenacity, the American simply refused to give in against Gauff. “I think the worst thing for a tennis player is to lose 7-6 in the first set,” she said, when asked how she had remained positive. 

“It's really important to just bounce back and give everything I have. It was very easy to do, especially on this court, even though it was extremely exhausting."

In the end, Anisimova’s targeted power also proved the difference.

Taking control with the first service break in the second game of the second set, the older American immediately surrendered one of her own but quickly reasserted authority. Another break delivered a 3-1 lead, and Anisimova maintained that lead to close it out 6-2.

By this time, her powerful groundstrokes were working beautifully and her unforced error count had dramatically reduced.

Gaining another break early in the third set, Anisimova held all momentum, winning five games straight to secure the match with a backhand winner.

Marking her 13th three-set win this year – the most of any woman on tour – Anisimova is thriving amid the drama of the world tennis stage, and sharing the spotlight with fellow American Gauff and other colleagues only adds to the quality.

“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,” Anisimova said.

“Last year a lot of different players were winning each tournament. So, yeah, we have a lot of … high-quality tennis going on. I'm looking forward to my next round because I'm sure it will be just as tough.”

Anisimova faces Harmony Tan in the fourth round.

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