WHAT HAPPENED: Back on the horse.
Playing her first Grand Slam match since reaching the Wimbledon final and becoming a Top-10 player for the first time, No. 8-seeded Amanda Anisimova opened her sixth career US Open appearance in style, notching a 6-3, 6-2 win over Australia’s Kimberly Birrell.
After a scratchy opening set that featured 17 unforced errors from the American, Anisimova improved her game as the match wore on. The hard-hitting 23-year-old reduced her error count and blasted winners with regularity inside Louis Armstrong Stadium. She produced too much depth and accuracy off the ground for the world No. 83 to handle, and ended up running away with the contest, winning the final five games of the contest to record her 32nd win of the season.
“I thought it was pretty good. I feel like I could have played better, but it wasn't bad either,” Anisimova said. “Obviously Kim is a really tough player, and I've never played her before. So yeah, she definitely made things tricky for me.”
Anisimova finished the victory with 17 winners and 23 unforced errors while converting four breaks of serve from eight opportunities–two in each set.
“Its not easy playing in the first round of a Grand Slam,” Anisimova said. “I was nervous but I was just trying to have a little fun out there. I’m happy to be back.
“I lost in the first round last year so I’m just happy that I’m doing better than then.”
WHAT IT MEANS: Anisimova wins her first match at the US Open since 2021, snapping a three-match losing streak at her home event and setting a second-round clash with Australian teenager Maya Joint.
MATCH POINT: The US Open remains the only Grand Slam in which Anisimova sports a losing record. With today’s victory she improved her overall record in Flushing Meadows to 4-5. She has yet to reach beyond the third round in Queens.
Anisimova made her Top 10 debut on July 14, following the Wimbledon final; this time last year she was ranked No. 50.
The American says that the ranking isn't weighing her down at all. If anything, it’s given her more confidence.
“I would say it's more exciting,” said Anisimova. “I'm excited to be here. I feel good. I have confidence and I love playing here. So if anything, I just embrace where I am and where my ranking is at when I step onto the court and just try and use it to my advantage.”
