London: Amanda Anisimova beat qualifier Lina Gjorcheska 6-3, 6-2 on Court Two on Tuesday to reach the Wimbledon second round.
The American, last year’s Wimbledon runner-up, completed the first-round win in 61 minutes.
Anisimova lost 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek in last year’s final but showed no signs of that defeat affecting her return to the grass-court Grand Slam.
Gjorcheska, the first player from North Macedonia to compete in a Grand Slam main draw, fought back late but could not extend the match.
“It’s not easy playing a qualifier who has had a few matches under her belt,” Anisimova said after the win.
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Anisimova, who has dealt with a wrist injury in recent weeks, said she was excited to be back at Wimbledon and was trying to enjoy each day at the tournament. The American will face Petra Marcinko or Sofia Kenin in the second round.
