"Does she continue her great form, or stumble now that pressure has shifted": Can Amanda Anisimova back up Wimbledon at Canadian Open?

Paul Annacone and Mark Knowles have predicted who will come out on top in the Masters 1000 Canadian Open. Many big names miss out on the men's side, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper, leaving an open playing field for the other players hoping to taste success in Toronto, while the women play in Montreal.

It is the first 1000 tournament after Wimbledon, with the players facing a busy but important schedule in the coming weeks, with another 1000 event in Cincinnati following this one before the US Open begins at Flushing Meadows. The players will be hoping for some good results going into the final major of the season.

Annacone, the former coach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, and Knowles, a three-time doubles Grand Slam champion and Jessica Pegula's coach, have both made their predictions ahead of the upcoming Canadian Open.

Both Annacone and Knowles have picked last year's US Open finalist to win his second Masters 1000 title after picking up the Indian Wells Open in 2022. He comes into the tournament as the world Number four, and in good form after winning titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne before reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

"I see a big week for Taylor Fritz," Annacone wrote. "After the grass and getting a week on hard courts—he beats Zverev in final." Knowles agreed, but believes he will get the better of 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.

Knowles also has his eye on Holger Rune. The Dane will be looking to get back on form, and after spending a few days with eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi, he is one to watch out for this week. When asked who he will be monitoring at this tournament, Knowles said: "Holger Rune, after collaborating with Andre Agassi. Will that yield results immediately?"

Annacone will be looking out for Italian Flavio Cobolli. The 23-year-old has had a great 2025, winning two titles and reaching a Wimbledon quarter-final, as well as breaking into the top 20 for the first time. Annacone said: "I'm interested to see how Flavio Cobolli plays—he did great on the grass and feels like he is poised to make a move."

Annacone has backed Coco Gauff to 'reassert' her dominance on hard court by winning the Canadian Open in an all-American final. The reigning Roland Garros champion will look to bounce back from the disappointment of getting knocked out in the first round at Wimbledon to add to the two 1000 titles she has won. "Coco Gauff reasserts herself on hard courts, beats Madison Keys in the final."

Sticking with the Americans, Annacone sees Amanda Anisimova having a good run and carrying on the positive momentum she is on after that painful whitewash defeat in the Wimbledon final against Iga Swiatek.

This is her first tournament after Wimbledon, and she will be hoping to put that result behind her and gon on another deep run in Canada. Annacone wrote: "Amanda Anisimova: the landscape has changed by having such a great Wimbledon—interested to see her try to ride the wave of momentum."

Knowles is backing Pegula to win a third Canadian Open in a row. Her coach is backing last year's US Open finalist to taste more success in Montreal, but will also keep an eye on Anisimova, who was defeated in three sets by Pegula in last year's final.

When asked the player he was monitoring, Knowles predicted: "Pegula, in her bid to win three in a row. Also, how does Anisimova respond after breaking through at Wimbledon and coming back to a tournament she made the final at last year? Does she continue her great form, or stumble now that pressure has shifted?"

The Canadian Open will reach its conclusion on Thursday, 7th August.