Amanda Anisimova: From 6-0, 6-0 Defeat to US Open Threat

Tennis has a way of stripping you bare, exposing every doubt under the stadium lights. For Amanda Anisimova, that exposure was absolute during her grueling 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Iga Swiatek in a major final—a stark contrast to the brilliant semifinal triumph over Aryna Sabalenka that got her there. Yet, instead of letting that double-bagel define her, the American used it as the ultimate catalyst for a profound career resurgence.

After taking an indefinite break in May 2023 for mental health reasons, Anisimova rebuilt her game. She returned to win her fourth WTA Tour title in China and reach the last four of the WTA Finals, finishing the 2025 season at No. 4. Now, she brings that hard-earned resilience to the US Open.

Overcoming Burnout to Reclaim the Baseline

Stepping away from professional tennis at 21 is a terrifying decision. The tour is a relentless machine, as we often see with sudden absences like the ones discussed in our coverage of Elena Rybakina's competitive status. For Anisimova, the hiatus was about preserving her mind. Burnout is a silent opponent, and recognizing when to walk away is a victory in itself.

When she returned, her aggressive baseline style possessed a new, disciplined edge. Capturing her fourth career title in China proved that her physical conditioning could withstand the brutal demands of the modern WTA Tour, setting up a fascinating New York campaign.

Rivalry Matchup & Player Profiles

Anisimova’s return to elite status brings her back into direct collision with the game's best. Her history with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka remains one of the most compelling matchups on tour.

Despite Sabalenka’s ranking, Anisimova leads their head-to-head record 6-5. Their encounters are always an absolute slugfest. Sabalenka managed to narrow the gap in their most recent meeting, taking a tight 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 decision in the semifinals of the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh.

This match history proves that Anisimova has the raw firepower to neutralize the world's top player. As they both eye the trophy in New York, their potential clash looms as a defining battle of wills.