“I feel like I’ve done my best, honestly, with all of that stuff,” Amanda Anisimova admitted in her post-match press conference at the US Open final, reflecting on her pursuit of mindfulness and finding joy in tennis despite the pressure. Yet, under the New York lights, when it mattered most, the American couldn’t escape Sabalenka’s storm, falling short in the final night. Heartbreak? Absolutely. After the Wimbledon loss, this one stung just as deep. But here’s the twist: despite the loss, Anisimova lit up Flushing Meadows, stunning the tennis world by outshining Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka in fan engagement and global buzz. Curious where she truly stole the spotlight?

It all comes down to one weapon: the backhand. At an astonishing average of 77 miles per hour, Amanda Anisimova’s backhand was the fastest of the entire US Open, even eclipsing Jannik Sinner’s 76 mph and  Sabalenka’s 73 mph mark. Outrageous, isn’t it? 

The numbers confirm what the eyes already knew: Amanda’s two-hander is not just elite, it’s art in motion. Now, as the dust settles on this year’s Grand Slam season, the American is finally receiving the waves of appreciation she deserves.

On a recent episode of The Tennis Podcast, Supercoach Nicole Pratt didn’t hold back when discussing the “Anisimova bomb.” “Sitting courtside when Anisimova played against Kimberly Birrell, and then against Maya Joint, her backhand is the best in the world,” she declared. “It is off the charts,” she added, before doubling down: “Her numbers. We talk about the highest among the men and the women, above Sinner’s backhand right? It is world-class.”

Andrea Petkovic, too, could not resist weighing in. Writing in her blog Finite Jest, the former WTA star praised Amanda’s sublime ball-striking. “I called a few of Amanda’s matches from the so-called whisper position which is basically the second row behind the chair umpire. To see her ball-striking up close is a view to behold. I had played her twice while I was still active but watching it from the side is somehow even more mesmerising,” Petkovic reflected, recalling her own 0-2 head-to-head against the American, including losses in Miami 2019 and Bad Homburg 2021.

“Usually, the court slows struck tennis balls down, that’s just a law of physics. Yet for some reason, Amanda’s balls (particularly the backhand) pick up speed while they move over the concrete,” Petkovic added, reinforcing just how rare Amanda’s weapon truly is.

Yet, for all the brilliance, the fairytale ending slipped away once again. Two crushing heartbreaks in back-to-back Slams have left Amanda reeling, and now comes another cruel twist: an injury setback, forcing her to share yet another piece of devastating news with her fans. The road ahead just got steeper, but if her backhand is any sign, her fight is far from over.

Amanda Anisimova withdraws from Korea amid injury concerns

Amanda Anisimova has been on a relentless grind through most of 2025, taking her game to nearly every major stop on the WTA calendar. Despite the heartbreak at Wimbledon, she bounced back with appearances in Montreal and Cincinnati, before taking on the heat and pressure of Flushing Meadows. Fans had been eagerly waiting to watch her kick off another campaign, but that hope has been dashed: at least for now.

The American star has been battling an ankle issue, likely flaring up after her grueling two-week run in New York. The official Instagram handle of the Korea Open confirmed the news first, announcing Anisimova’s withdrawal from the Seoul event due to the “ankle injury suffered during the US OPEN.” Later, the New Jersey native took to her own IG story to share her heartbreak: “I’m so sad to miss Korea this year, as I really enjoyed my time there last year. I really hope to be back next year 🥲 🤍 So sorry and see you guys there soon.”

Anisimova’s absence is just one in a string of withdrawals shaking the post-US Open tennis calendar. The demanding schedule appears to have taken its toll on multiple stars. US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his triumph over Jannik Sinner, has opted out of Davis Cup qualifiers, citing fatigue.

On the women’s side, Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys have also confirmed their absence from the Billie Jean King Cup, forcing a reshuffling of lineups and leaving fans questioning the WTA’s scheduling grind.

For Amanda, the setback is another test of resilience. The hope is alive that 2026 will be her year of redemption: the year she rises back from heartbreak and claims the throne she’s been chasing.