Amanda Anisimova 'shutting off noise' amid run to US Open final to face Aryna Sabalenka after Wimbledon setback - 'I have really worked on myself'
Published 05/09/2025 at 09:44 GMT+1
Amanda Anisimova has discussed her mentality change at the US Open following her Wimbledon final thrashing against Iga Swiatek. The world No. 9 was beaten 6-0 6-0 by the Pole two months ago. However, she will now face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the US Open after battling back to beat Naomi Osaka in stunning fashion at Flushing Meadows.
Highlights: Anisimova to meet Sabalenka in US Open final after both triumph in semis
Video credit: SNTV
Amanda Anisimova believes reaching the US Open final after suffering a thrashing against Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon 2025 final proves how far her mentality has come.
The world No. 9 took time away from the sport in 2023 to focus on her mental health and combat the effects of burnout.
That decision has worked out well for the 24-year-old, who secured back-to-back Grand Slam finals with a thrilling 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 6-3 win over Naomi Osaka at Flushing Meadows on Friday.
Her last final may not have gone to plan, a one-sided 6-0 6-0 defeat against the world No. 2 in SW19, but Anisimova insists that she is approaching Saturday’s match against Aryna Sabalenka with a different attitude.
"I think it just shows that I have worked really hard, especially on my mental game and not giving up," she said after defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka.
"Like today, I could have easily said, oh, she's playing better than me, and I can't really do anything.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/09/05/image-f1f724ae-775f-47a0-b725-66341f39ab87-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'I have to trust myself' - Sabalenka on facing Anisimova rematch in the US Open final
Video credit: SNTV
"I really tried to find a way any way I could to stay in the match, even though it was extremely tough, and she was playing really great tennis.
"Yeah, I think I have really worked on myself to really be able to handle those moments and to believe in myself, even when it feels like what is there to believe in, in a way, like, when you're not playing that well.
"Yeah, I think I have really done a better job of that, and especially since the Wimbledon final.
"I think I have really shifted with my attitude, as well."
Anisimova proved how far she has come in just two months by defeating her Wimbledon final opponent Swiatek to set up the semi against Osaka.
Sabalenka booked her place in the final of the US Open with a hard-fought 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over the USA’s own Jessica Pegula.
Despite defeating Sabalenka at Wimbledon, Anisimova says she has more self-belief this time around.
"I feel like the last few weeks it's been a bit of a different feeling," she said.
"I feel like when I was at Wimbledon, every single match was kind of like a surprise to me.
"I was, like, shocked with every match that I won.
"But here it feels more I believe in myself, and I'm able to do it. So I think that's been the shift for me, at least here at the US Open.
"I'm gonna go about it like it's been every other day.
"Obviously I'm excited, but I'm kind of shutting off all the noise around me and deleting everything from my phone and to just really focus.
"Zone in on my opportunity and do everything that I can to be ready."
Anisimova had to show immense heart to battle back from a set down against Osaka.
She revealed that she had to mentally prepare herself for defeat at points during the clash.
"Yeah, it was really tough match," she added.
"Most of the time I thought that it's going to slip away from me, and I'm not going to make it into the final.
"At some points I was trying to accept that, as tough as that was.
"Yeah, and in the later moments of the second set I was trying to remind myself what was on the line and the opportunity I have."
Watch and stream top tennis action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement