The 2026 U.S. Open campaign for Amanda Anisimova ended on Saturday in New York. The 10th-seeded American was defeated in straight sets by Austria's Anastasia Potapova, with a final score of 6-2, 7-5.
A sharp fall from a world number three ranking
Anisimova's performance at Flushing Meadows marks a concerning trend for the New Jersey native. Just one year ago, she was a dominant force on the Grand Slam stage, reaching finals at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. However, as the report notes, her current form has seen her fail to reach the Round of 16 in her last three Major tournaments.
This recent exit follows a season that began with her sitting at number three in the global rankings. The gap between that peak and her current struggle to navigate the opening week of a Major suggests a significant shift in her competitive consistency.
46 unforced errors and seven missed break pooints
The match statistics highlight a profound struggle for precision during the loss to the 24th-seeded Potapova. According to the report, Anisimova struggled significantly with her shot selection, committing a staggering 46 unforced errors throughout the contest. This lack of accuracy was most damaging during the opening set, where she failed to convert seven consecutive break point opportunities.
While Anastasia Potapova leaned into her self-described "adrenaline-seeking" style to maintain control,Anisimova's inability to capitalize on her chances proved fatal. the inability to convert high-leverage moments prevented the American from ever gaining the necessary momentum to challenge the Austrian's lead.
The Hendrik Vleeshouwers coaching partnership survives the loss
Despite the disappointing result, Anisimova's technical support system remains unchanged. After a brief split in March, she reunited with coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers in July to prepare for the summer hardcourt swing. Anisimova confirmed her intention to continue this collaboration, stating that the loss in New York does not change their professional relationship.
The pair will likely return to Miami to analyze the technical lapses that occurred on the Flushing Meadows courts. Anisimova expressed confidence in the partnership,noting that the match was simply a "bad result" rather than a sign of a broken working dynamic.
The mystery of the missed break points and court conditions
While the match results are definitive, several factors behind the performance remain unverified. Anisimova suggested that the playing conditions might have played a role in her errors, but it remains unclear whether this was a physical struggle with the environment or a mental lapse under pressure. Additionally, while she described her year as "pretty average," the specific reason for her inability to convert break points in consecutive Majors remains a point of scrutiny for analysts.
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