TAKE FIVE: AMANDA ANISIMOVA

Amanda Anisimova moved into the quarterfinals of a Slam for the first time in her young career with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over qualifier Aliona Bolsova on Monday at the French Open. She spoke with reporters about her victory, her impressive run in Paris and the prospect of facing reigning champion Simona Halep in the next round. 

Q. How much did it feel like you were feeling the occasion of being in a fourth-round match with the stakes to get to a first Grand Slam quarterfinal? How much was that on your mind, or how much were you able to block that out?

Amanda Anisimova: Yeah, I was a bit nervous, but when I was about to step on court, I was able to push my nerves aside. I think that really helped me because I was just taking my time during the match, and I was making effortless shots. So I'm really happy about that because I was playing kind of relaxed, even though I was nervous before the match. So I'm happy that didn't kick in.

Q. What do you expect that occasion will be like playing Simona [Halep] at a Grand Slam?

Amanda Anisimova: Yeah, I mean, I can't describe how excited I am. It's amazing playing her. She won it the previous year. So honestly, I couldn't ask for a better matchup. I'm just extremely happy and excited for the next round.

Q. It's been a while since somebody your age has made it to the later stages, quarterfinals and beyond, at a Grand Slam tournament. I'm just wondering whether, to you, it feels like this is happening at a young age and it's early or this feels like you have been building up to this and it's happening at the right time?

Amanda Anisimova: I mean, I feel like it's been building up. I don't really feel like I'm young and first time. I had Indian Wells last year. That was kind of more surprising to me. Yeah, I mean, I have been playing a lot of matches. Last year I took a little bit of time off, but it didn't really affect me. I'm kind of getting used to it already.

Q. You said that the time you made a final in the juniors here was a very long time ago. But it's just three years ago. Of course, your three years are very different from ours, but what do you think is the biggest experience in the past three years? What is the biggest difference three years ago and now?

Amanda Anisimova:  Actually, the junior final was the year before what we were talking about. Actually, I lost in the quarters the next year of the juniors. Yes, I have been here twice. If you would have told me I would have been in the quarters this year, I wouldn't believe you right now. When I was playing two years ago, I really wanted to just win one match, and I would have been the happiest person alive. So to tell me I would be in the quarters right now, I would be very happy.

Q. You have been here before in Paris, obviously for the juniors and the wild card here. When you walk around, do you feel like you know where everything is, or are you as confused as the rest of us with all the changes? How much does it help to have been here before?

Amanda Anisimova: Yes, that feels like a long time ago. Even though I was in the main draw, I was still in the qualifying locker room. I didn't even know they had a locker room here. I'm aware of that now. Yeah, it feels like forever ago. I kind of found my place around here. I'm happy I got to play on the new court. It was so beautiful. Happy I got a chance to do that.