Amanda Anisimova Reveals Toughest Rival She Has Faced on WTA Tour: “We’ve Had So Many Close Battles”

Amanda Anisimova will soon be seen in action as the US Open singles main draw is around the corner. Anisimova, last year’s runner-up, will lock horns with countrywoman Ashlyn Krueger in the first round.

In last year’s final, Anisimova lost to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, also losing her career’s second Grand Slam final after a Wimbledon 6-0, 6-0 defeat to six-time Major champion Iga Swiatek. Since turning pro in 2016, Anisimova has faced quite a few tough opponents. But she called Sabalenka her toughest rival.

The field is very strong right now. So I feel like there are so many incredibly tough players that are very challenging to play against. I would probably have to go with Aryna because we’ve had so many close battles, and I’ve played her so many times.

Amanda Anisimova told Tennishead

Anisimova enjoyed great form last year, reaching the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open, winning titles at the WTA 1000 events in Doha and Beijing, and losing the final of the Queen’s Club Championships.

But since that win in Beijing, Anisimova hasn’t reached a final. She, in fact, has reached just one semifinal this year, at the Dubai Tennis Championships, losing to eventual champion Jessica Pegula.

Anisimova, like several other top players, competed in the mixed doubles. She paired up with compatriot Learner Tien and lost to the team of Tommy Paul and Emma Navarro.

Sabalenka was pretty confident about having a great run in mixed doubles with Novak Djokovic, but they failed to go beyond the opening round. She will not only enter the US Open as the defending champion but will also be bidding to complete the hat-trick.

Amanda Anisimova on burnout and mental health break

Amanda Anisimova has learned to take small breaks to recharge, knowing players can’t take a lengthy break because of the packed 11-month calendar. After suffering burnout, Anisimova deemed it best to take a mental health break back in 2023. She returned to the tour in 2024.

I learned how important it is to have a great balance on and off the court. That’s something that I used to not prioritise so much: how to recharge myself and take time for myself, and prioritize my wellbeing off the court. In the past, it was really just a lot of tennis, and I didn’t really know how to incorporate those small breaks for myself. I think that’s a big reason why I reached such a breaking point and needed to take that time away from the sport.

Amanda Anisimova said (H/T: The Guardian)

Anisimova froze when she played her career’s first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. But her time away from the tour helped her recover from the double-bagel heartbreak, as she was able to see the bigger picture: that reaching a Major final is a huge milestone.

I feel like I’ve become so much more self-aware now of when I’m anticipating or feeling like I’m reaching that point where I don’t feel as excited or as motivated. Those signs are much more alarming to me now, and I catch them a lot earlier than I did before.

Amanda Anisimova added

She finished the 2025 season at No. 4. But at present, she stands at the No.10 spot. The No.1 spot is being occupied by Aryna Sabalenka, but she will lose her position if she fails in her title defense at the New York Major. Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, or Coco Gauff will reach the top if Sabalenka fails to win the title.

Also read: Anastasia Potapova Lambasts Flight Attendant After ‘Humiliating’ Encounter Before US Open: “She Threatened to Remove Me”