Amanda Anisimova had a really great run at the 2024 Canadian Open in Toronto, making the final, but losing that final to Jessica Pegula left her in tears as she told her opponent that she didn't want to play her again.
The 22-year-old American has had a tricky career so far because she's had to endure a lot. She first made a breakthrough as a teenager, which is daunting in itself. She nearly made a Grand Slam final, and dealing with a lot so early in her career was a bit too much at times.
She did not find the same level after that but still played decent tennis at times. She had a really solid 2022 season, returning to the Top 100 and playing some inspired tennis.
Then, she felt burned out and took a break in 2023, barely playing any matches. Her return happened this year, and Anisimova looked motivated. It took her a while to start playing her best tennis, but she seemed far more motivated to endure the grind of professional tennis.
Her best event since her return happened last week in Toronto when she made the final of a WTA 1000 tournament. The American was playing at a high level and had a decent chance to win her biggest trophy so far in her career, but Pegula proved better.
Anisimova won the second set, but she was no match for her compatriot in the final set, and she was devastated after the match.
It was a hugely emotional match for Anisimova because this is the type of match she wants to be playing, and once she finally did, losing it felt terrible. She was in tears after the match but congratulated Pegula on the victory.
"Oh God, I don’t think I’ve ever been this overcome with emotion at a speech. First off, I want to say congratulations to Jess. I mean, you’re playing amazing tennis – I never want to play you again."
"No really, you’ve been doing amazing and it’s really inspiring to see. Honestly, I’m really proud of everything you’ve been able to do. And just keep it up."
The older colleague and fellow American Pegula had some nice things to say about Anisimova, noting her as a strong player whom she also doesn't enjoy playing.
It was a great week for the 22-year-old, and it should give her lots of confidence for the upcoming events, especially the US Open, as her older colleague noted.
"Thank you for all the nice words. Just so you know, I don’t love playing you either, so. 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."
Overall, it was a competitively contested final by both, but for the second year in a row, Pegula proved the best in Canada. Growing up in Buffalo almost makes Canada her second home, and the crowd support reflected that.