"Just so you know, I don't love playing you either" - Jessica Pegula responds to Amanda Anisimova's hilarious remark after Canadian Open 2024 final
Jessica Pegula had a humorous exchange with Amanda Anisimova after their 2024 Canadian Open final on Monday, August 12. During her victory speech, she praised her younger compatriot as a force to be reckoned with.
Pegula defended her Canadian Open crown with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory over Anisimova. This was her second title of the season, after her triumph in Berlin. Her recent victories are significant considering she was out of action during the clay court season, tending to a rib injury.
Jessica Pegula’s triumphant display received plaudits from Amanda Anisimova. The 22-year-old, however, jokingly made known her desire to never lock horns with her again.
"You’re playing amazing tennis – I never want to play you again," Anisimova said during her speech.
Pegula responded in kind, asserting that she isn’t fond of facing her either.
"Thank you for all the nice words. Just so you know, I don’t love playing you either, so," she joked during her victory speech.
The former World No. 3 went on to highlight Anisimova’s strengths, noting she is a “dangerous” player.
Jessica Pegula has come out on top in all three of their career meetings so far. However, their two meetings this season, including the Canadian Open final, have been stretched to three sets. In their match in Charleston earlier this year, Pegula narrowly escaped defeat, sealing the victory in the final tie-break.
"Whenever we get asked all these weird questions, I always say that you have the best backhand on tour; very jealous of that backhand. You’re an amazing ball striker and an amazing player – I don’t take you lightly. I think every time I see you in the draw floating around, I feel like you are so dangerous," Jessica Pegula said.
"That's really strong" – Jessica Pegula on Amanda Anisimova's decision to step away from tennis in 2023
During the speech, Jessica Pegula also hailed Amanda Anisimova for prioritizing her mental health over her tennis career in 2023.
Last year, Anisimova announced an extended hiatus from tennis, calling it a “mental health break.” During this time, she also began her journey as a student athlete at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Florida.
The American resumed her WTA journey in January and has since risen from No. 442 to No. 49. Apart from the Canadian Open final, her highlights this season have been a fourth-round appearance at the Australian Open and a quarterfinal finish at the Citi Open.
"And I admire you as well for making the decision to step away from your career and take some time for yourself, because I know that’s not easy," Jessica Pegula said about the 22-year-old.
"But it’s your career and it’s your life, and you get to choose how to live it! So that’s really strong. I’m glad that you were able to do that and come back on your own terms, it’s really cool," she added.
Pegula will now gear up for the Cincinnati Open. She has received a bye in the first round and will face either Dayana Yastremska or 2023 runner-up Karolina Muchova in her opening match. Amanda Anisimova, meanwhile, will begin her campaign against Victoria Azarenka.