After Missing Australian Open 2021, Amanda Anisimova Signs Up for ITF Event

World No.31 player Amanda Anisimova couldn’t take part at the Australian Open 2021. She came down with Coronavirus and was not fully fit to compete at the ongoing Grand Slam. However, she will soon find her way back to the court, albeit with a twist.

Amanda Anisimova recently announced that she’ll be taking part in a Challenger tournament. It is an ITF event that will begin from today. This is something very strange as a player who is the World No.31 in the WTA rankings is trying her luck at the tournament.

Interestingly, the American will be starting as the top-seeded player at the ITF USA 02A tournament. She entered the tournament as a wildcard entry and surprisingly became the No.1 seed. The total prize money for the tournament is $25,000.

In her first match, Anisimova will face her counterpart Robin Montgomery who is just 16-years old and recently made her debut at the US Open 2020. Robin has won an ITF tournament so far and is at the 593rd position in the WTA rankings.

What is making the last-minute entry of Amanda Anisimova controversial?

Many critics are finding this last-minute entry of Amanda Anisimova at the tournament really wrong. They believe that it is like taking away a slot from a deserving player.

ITF tournaments are generally for those players who are beginning their tennis careers. They are usually not professional players on tour and play ITF tournaments before going into ATP and WTA tournaments.

In a situation like this, many argue that Anisimova has surely taken a spot from some player. On the other hand,  it is advantageous too, as when a top player is playing, it’ll be great for the sponsors of that particular tournament. Moreover, it’ll also help Anisimova regain her form and momentum.

Amanda Anisimova definitely looks like the favorite to win the ITF tournament. Will she able to get a perfect start in 2021 by conquering this challenge?

ALSO READ- Amanda Anisimova Pens Inspiring Message After Missing Australian Open 2021