Champagne corks can’t shake Anisimova’s grasscourt groove

LONDON :With a brushstroke off the court and a backhand to die for on it, Amanda Anisimova is quietly crafting something special on the lawns of SW19.

The American, once a teenage prodigy and now an increasingly self-assured artist on and off the court, withstood a barrage — from Hungarian Dalma Galfi and a court-side champagne cork chorus — to advance to the Wimbledon fourth round on Friday, winning 6-3 5-7 6-3 in a match full of noise and nuance.

“I mean, it kept happening,” she said smiling of the endless cork-popping. “At some point I was, like, can everybody just do it on the changeover?”

But the distractions barely dented the 13th seed's rhythm — nor did they take the shine off what is becoming a quietly compelling grass-court campaign.

Still only 23, Anisimova, who next faces Czech Linda Noskova, is the proud owner of one of the most admired backhands in tennis — an elegant stroke that has earned her a cult following. She’s aware, but not overwhelmed.

“Yeah, I’ve heard that. I think it’s one of my best shots ... but I’m working on the rest too,” she added smiling, citing her serve and forehand as works-in-progress.

Off the court, Anisimova has swapped obsession for perspective. Once weighed down by the crushing goals of youth — Grand Slams, No.1 rankings, tennis immortality — she now paints.

"I got into art when I was struggling with my mental health," she said. "I wanted to find something that I enjoyed doing on my own. I feel like it's just a very good get-away for myself."

Anisimova does not travel with her art supplies — yet. "I have to bring so many tennis things, and I like to bring a lot of clothes just in case, so my suitcases are really full," she added, laughing.

"I spend, like, thousands of dollars on extra