In the end, it was frustration, disappointment, and anger that Amanda Anisimova experienced at the Canadian Open, a WTA 1000 event held on the hard-courts of Toronto. Anisimova, an American tennis player, faced defeat at the hands of her fellow countrywoman Jessica Pegula, who secured her second title of the season and third WTA 1000 victory in her career. The match went to three sets, and at the conclusion of the intense battle, Amanda couldn’t contain her disappointment and shed bitter tears. In a display of frustration, she even smashed her racket, as depicted in the accompanying images. However, despite these emotions, Anisimova can still take pride in her performance throughout the tournament.
After an eight-month break to regain her equilibrium in a world that often overwhelms with pressure and vulnerability, Anisimova has made a triumphant return to competitive tennis, much to the delight of her fans. Following her loss to Arantxa Rus in Madrid in 2023, Amanda made the decision to pause her career for the sake of her mental well-being. During this hiatus, she immersed herself in college life and embraced what she considered a “normal” existence. The thought of abandoning tennis at the age of 21 never truly crossed her mind. The sacrifices she had made were too significant to let go of her dreams so easily. With each passing day at the WTA 1000 in Toronto, she honed her skills and fortified her mental resilience.
Expressing her joy and surprise, Anisimova shared, “I’m extremely happy and proud of this significant accomplishment. It’s something I’ve worked tirelessly for. My week in Toronto has been truly remarkable, and I’m still hungry for success. I hope to perform well in the final too. As for my aspirations of winning a Grand Slam and reaching the number one ranking, I cannot envision ending my career without achieving these goals. I am determined to give my best and work diligently every day. I believe that with unwavering dedication, all of this can become a reality.”
Reflecting on her time away from the sport, Anisimova revealed, “When I made the decision to take a break, I knew I didn’t want to conclude my career in that manner. I had so much more to accomplish, and I didn’t want to halt my journey prematurely. I had made numerous sacrifices, and I always knew I would return. The break allowed me to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. I now possess the necessary tools to navigate through difficult times. However, I have always possessed the mental strength to overcome pain and adversity. Having the opportunity to experience six months of a ‘normal’ life has been incredibly rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy attending college, and being able to do so in person has been an enjoyable experience. Previously, I had taken online classes, so it was refreshing to have face-to-face interactions.”
Photo from Amanda Anisimova Instagram
