Daily Mix—Anisimova embraces the spotlight

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Amanda Anismova is walking the walk at the BNP Paribas Open, and it's not unjustified. At just 17, she's ranked No. 67 and has already scored wins over the likes of Petra Kvitova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Aryna Sabalenka.

While tennis is often too quick to propel a youngster into the premature status of new super star, the American seems comfortable handling the pressure. With a round of 16 run to defend in the desert this week, Anismova began by beating Aleksandra Krunic in her opener, 6-0, 6-4.

"I didn’t really feel any pressure all. I love playing here. I was going out to have fun," Anisimova said. "I had a really good week here last year. I have improved a lot as a player and an athlete over the course of the year, so hopefully I can make an even deeper run this year."

Her next task is No. 16 seed Elise Mertens on Friday.