Anisimova and Pegula advance to the last 16, showcasing their prowess on the court.
Anisimova's double-handed backhand and powerful groundstrokes proved to be her secret weapon, dominating the match in just 67 minutes. She attributes her success to her backhand, stating, 'It's always been my best shot.'
'I love using it, going both line and cross. It's hard to predict where I'll hit it, making it a special asset,' she added.
This wasn't the first time Anisimova has thrived in hot conditions. She recalled, 'We had many outdoor courts in the summer, always hot. I hated training then, but it paid off.'
The day's heat, reminiscent of a Miami summer, didn't deter Anisimova. She embraced the challenge, saying, 'It's great to play outdoors, even in the heat. It's a nice test of my endurance.'
Anisimova joins Pegula and Keys, who also advanced to the last 16, as the third American of the day. Pegula defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva, while Keys, the defending champion, secured a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Karolina Pliskova.
