"Anisimova clashes with Sabalenka and inner struggles in US Open finale"

Amanda Anisimova’s Resilience Shines Ahead of US Open Final

Amanda Anisimova struggled to keep her emotions in check in the days leading up to the season’s last major tournament. As the American prepared for her first-round match, the weight of her own expectations became a source of intense stress. Looking back, she acknowledged the pressure was universal. “Most players put a lot of pressure on themselves, and those days before a tournament are really tough—just the anticipation,” she said after advancing to the third round. “I think it was natural for me to feel that way.”

Yet Anisimova’s situation before the US Open was anything but ordinary. Her previous major appearance had ended in a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon final. While the tournament had marked a long-awaited breakthrough after years of unfulfilled potential, the humiliating scoreline left lingering doubts about whether it might stall her progress entirely.

That made her response to the setback all the more impressive. At the very next major, Anisimova has seized another opportunity, earning a place in the US Open final against top-ranked defending champion Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday.

Anisimova’s potential has never been in question. She boasts one of the most precise and powerful swings in tennis, with flawless timing and technique that allow her to take the ball early, redirect shots at will, and generate tremendous power—especially from her formidable two-handed backhand.

Her recent matches have showcased that brilliance. Against Świątek, she consistently disrupted the Pole’s rhythm. A day later, facing Naomi Osaka, she overcame early nerves to dominate one of the game’s fiercest hitters from the baseline. Even as their grueling match stretched past midnight, Anisimova’s composure never wavered in the critical moments.

Her mental growth has been key to this resurgence. An eight-month break in 2023 to focus on mental wellness clearly contributed to her progress, though maintaining confidence under pressure has been a persistent challenge. Unlike some natural competitors, Anisimova has had to work tirelessly to develop the self-belief needed to contend with the world’s best. She has spoken openly about therapy, maintaining optimism, and relying on her support system. While she emphasizes moving forward from Wimbledon, the lessons from that defeat remain.