In Pictures: Amanda Anisimova throws racquet in frustration, bursts into tears after losing Canadian Open final to Jessica Pegula
Amanda Anisimova failed to keep her emotions in check after her loss to compatriot Jessica Pegula in the final of the National Bank Open in Toronto on Monday, August 12. Pegula won the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament's women's singles final for the second year in a row and condemned Anisimova to her second defeat in four WTA Tour-level finals.
Anisimova returned to action at the start of the ongoing season after taking a lengthy break last year to prioritize her mental health. At the National Bank Open in Toronto, the 22-year-old had been in fine form, staging significant upsets by stunning the seeded Daria Kasatkina, Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Navarro.
However, the vastly more experienced Pegula took control of the final when a double fault from Anisimova resulted in the first set going the former's way (6-3). Anisimova, though, fought back admirably in the second set, staying resolute from the baseline to level things up 6-2. Ultimately though, World No. 6 Pegula proved too much for the new World No. 49 in the third set (6-1). Soon after the defeat, Anisimova let out her frustrations by throwing her racquet and then turning tearful.
However, the former World No. 21 managed to regain her composure ahead of her post-match press conference, where she assessed her performance against Pegula.
"Jessica Pegula stepped up" - Amanda Anisimova rues third-set collapse in Canadian Open final
During her post-match press conference, Anisimova bemoaned her fortunes in the third set against Pegula. According to the World No. 49, she thought she had turned things around in her favor after winning the second set.
"I've been through a lot of emotions since this morning. It's an important day for me, I want to be proud of myself. I gave my best, that's what matters in the end for me. I thought I really had the match after winning the second set, but she stepped up, she's played incredible tennis. I've tried different game plans, but they haven't worked," Anisimova said.
On a more positive note for Anisimova, she has received a wildcard entry into the main draw of the 2024 US Open, which is set to begin on Monday, August 26.