CNN
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An emotional Amanda Anisimova prevailed against her compatriot Coco Gauff at Wimbledon on Saturday and reached the round of 16.
The two Americans met on Center Court in a high-profile affair but it was Anisimova who produced the best performance, winning 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-1.
“This is the special day of my career,” said Anisimova after her victory. “It’s just a huge privilege to play against Coco on this pitch.
“Winning is very special, especially in front of a full audience – you guys were amazing.”
Gauff, 18, had started better than the two and took the lead in the first set before Anisimova began to settle in – it was the first time she had played a match on the main court at Wimbledon.
At the end of the set, the pair had to be separated by a tie break, which Gauff managed to overcome before the momentum quickly swung the other way.
Gauff’s first serve let her down in set number two, giving her opponent all the opportunities she needed to force a decider.
Anisimova, ranked No. 25 in the world, didn’t take her foot off the gas and continued to dominate from the baseline while reducing unforced errors.
The 20-year-old got better and better as the game went on and was able to finish the game with ease to advance to the next round where she will face Harmony Tan on Monday.
“There are so many American players doing well and I’m proud of my country and how we’ve done,” Anisimova added.
“It was really exciting to have an all-American duel on this pitch, so it was really special.”