It’s been a little over seven weeks since Amanda Anisimova suffered the ignominy of one of the heaviest defeats in Grand Slam final history, when she was dismantled 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek at SW19.
What had developed over the previous fortnight as one of the most inspiring storylines of this year’s Wimbledon was so rapidly and ruthlessly wiped out in the final by the relentless Pole, as she put a chastening stamp on the end of what had been a fairytale run from the American.
But Animisova’s response to such an experience has been admirable.
Nearly two months on from that defeat, the world No 8 has returned to the latter stages of a major at the earliest opportunity, sweeping her way into the quarter-finals of the US Open in impressive style, dropping only the one set en route.
Last night, she surged past Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-0, 6-3 to extend her career-best run in New York.
This is a significant achievement in itself. Prior to this year’s Wimbledon, Anisimova’s best run at a Grand Slam had been during her excellent showing at 2019’s Roland-Garros, where she reached the semi-finals at a 17-year-old, taking down Simona Halep along the way before eventually falling to Ash Barty in three sets.
Since that breakout moment, however, personal tragedy, injuries and mental health concerns had prompted many to consign that 2019 run as an anomaly unlikely to be repeated.
But 2025 has been the year of Ansimova’s long-awaited resurgence. A first 1000-level title in Doha preceded her charge to the final at the All England Club.
Despite a humbling defeat in that match, Anisimova has achieved her second-best major run since the French Open in 2019 by breaking new ground at Flushing Meadows.
Highlights from the defeat earlier this year:
Now, she will take on Swiatek again for a golden chance at what would be the sweetest redemption. This time, at her home Grand Slam.
“Who would’ve thought we’d meet again so soon?” Anisimova said when asked about the prospect of a re-match with the world No 2.
“I’m super excited. It’s going to be a great match, I hope… this time.”
Judging by the standard of her tennis over the past nine days, and cutting as relaxed a demeanour as she has in her career, perhaps the raucous atmosphere of a pumped-up, partisan New York crowd can provide just the tonic for a rejuvenated Anisimova to rewrite the painful memories of Wimbledon.
