Analysis of Brilliant Anisimova Gains Revenge on Swiatek at the US Open
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York
Dates: 24 August – 7 September
Coverage: Live radio commentaries airing on 5 Live Sport and over BBC Sounds, also as well as on the BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app as live-text commentaries.
A Night of Redemption in New York
The US Open on a breezy night in New York will go down in history for the most emotionally satisfying victory in the tournament during the quarter finals as the eighth seed and hometown favorite Amanda Anisimova showcased a masterclass in determination and strategy as she bested Iga Swiatek, the defending Wimbledon champion and second seed, 6-4, 6-3.
For Amanda Anisimova, this victory was like no other. It was also revenge, redemption and reassurance all in the same breath. The loss she suffered at the hands of the same foe was just as equally humiliating as it was dramatic. It was the Wimbledon final, and the score was 6-0, 6-0 on the losing end. Instead of having her spirit crushed, she was stoked. The feeling she felt was one of pure captivation as she expressed, “This is the most meaningful victory of my life.”
Revisiting the Nightmare: Lessons from Wimbledon
The tears from Wimbledon bruises ran deep. Anisimova spent weeks not wanting to watch the final, a contest many claimed to be the most uneven watched in Grand Slam history. Yet at the quarter-final against Swiatek in New York, she had to face herself.
“I watched them. Highlights, as horrible as it was, to see what I can dodge and what I what wrong. It was only after that I had to watch some good highlights to get that out of my head,” Anisimova reflected.
Because of that solitary moment, she was able to go back and reclaim that moment as the darkest on her timeline and still be fine. Reliving moments in this manner now represents a shift that has taken place since this Anisimova was on a break in 2023. It was rested in hopes that this time would be used to focus on herself and on the mental wellness that comes with it.
“It felt like I was able to bounce back from it [the Wimbledon defeat] really quickly. I feel like a few years ago. I wouldn’t have done as well as I have this time,” she reflected. “I would have maybe blamed myself more or kept the guilt longer. I think I realized, and maybe to some extent, it was to other people that when you really try to think positively, the outcome can be positive.”
Rather, the growth and evolution of Amanda Anisimova has to a particular extent being about the motherboard. After being recognized as a prodigy for reaching the 2019 French Open semi final and that too at the age of 17, the next few years was a roller coaster which was filled with more downs than it was filled with downs. The personal domain was terrifying, as the sudden demise of her father around this time was then followed with series of unfortunate events which included burnouts and injuries.
The entire sport was given up in 2023, she said, to focus on reclaiming her mental well being. “It is this start to the reset which is the most important.”
Her answer to the domino effect caused by Wimbledon goes to the heart of the issue. “On the court I was crying and maybe [for] 30 minutes, but then I got on the phone with someone and just, like, laughed. At the end of the day, to me, it was just tennis. I’m in a really good spot in my life, I’m happy every single day unlike a couple of years ago.”
A Disturbing Sense of Guilt from Wimbledon
What charged Anisimova with the most surprise in regards to her reaction to Wimbledon, was not self-loathing, but concern for the supporters.
“I felt the worst for the fans who paid the big bucks to cheer for us,” she admitted. “I don’t easily forget how much excitement there is at such phenomenal events like Wimbledon. It kind of made me feel guilty.”
“A lot of people could relate to her perspective,” one reader later reflected. “In her case, the loss wasn’t ever about the numbers, or the fame. She was more bothered about the people.”
Struggles and Learning Curve on Hard Courts
As the Flushing Meadows event is the last one of the hard court tour, all the attention was particularly paid to Anisimova as the American was the star of the show. In the summer, there was plenty of buzz around her performances. But the magic that jumped off the page was during the New York event.
“Unlike in Montreal and in Cincinnati, I was able to get through the first rounds without a lot of panic,” she noted.
The Match: From Flashbacks to Flourish
The quarter final started with a strong sense of being there before. Immediately breaking Anisimova’s serve, the story started to play out. “When I wasn’t able to hold in that first game, I was like OK, here we go.” She remembered Wimbledon.
This time it was different. Backhand drives and a late Swiatek serve meant a break. This match was different. Anisimova won over a dozen out of Swiatek’s second serve, a game shifting stat.
Anisimova took the first set 6-4. Swiatek looked shaken and took a break. Then she broke Anisimova again, hoping to ride the momentum. But Anisimova was much calmer, and two games later, she broke back and closed the eighth game with a strong serve to set her up to serve for the match.
Technical Brilliance
Anisimova’s mentality was radical and deeply intertwined with her tactical surgical precision. She attacked Swiatek’s forehand and targeted her second serve returns. Her ability to control rallies was defining.
The Crowd Factor
Being in New York, Anisimova received roaring support from the spectators. “The crowd supported me, it lifted me completely,” she admitted.
The Road Ahead: Osaka Awaits
Next, Anisimova faces Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion. Both players have been open about their struggles with mental health, making this matchup not only about tennis but also resilience. Fans eagerly await their clash under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
What Does This Mean For Anisimova’s Career
This win is a milestone. Anisimova has shown that she can adapt, recover, and perform at the highest level, proving she is indeed a Grand Slam contender.
Swiatek’s Perspective
Swiatek remains a dominant force, but this match revealed vulnerabilities. Her second serve defense was exposed. This could mark the beginning of a compelling rivalry.
Redemption is Complete
“The destiny of the world was changed in this room,” says the protagonist in “The Savages” when explaining how Amanda Anisimova stopped a Polish champion at the US Open. The crowd witnessed history as Anisimova claimed her redemption with poise.
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