Emotional Anisimova applauds Pegula's stunning tennis: "I never want to play you again"

Amanda Anisimova was overcome with emotion after losing the Canadian Open final to Jessica Pegula. The 22-year-old fought back tears during the award ceremony and congratulated the World No. 6 for defending the title she had won in 2023.

Pegula secured a hard-fought victory 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 on Monday, August 12, and extended her head-to-head record against Anisimova to 3-0. With this, the 30-year-old American successfully defended her title and now has two WTA 1000 trophies.

Anisimova’s week in Toronto was one of the best of her career. She entered the tournament as World No. 132 after receiving a wildcard from the organizers and defeated four of the top seeds in the draw, including Daria Kasatkina (5th seed), Aryna Sabalenka (2nd seed), and Emma Navarro (8th).

However, she had a shaky start in the final, struggling with her serve in the first set while Pegula played at a superlative level. Although Anisimova managed to shake off the nerves in the second set, she couldn't maintain the level in the third and was eventually defeated.

"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," she said, addressing Jessica Pegula during the award ceremony. "I mean, you’re playing amazing tennis – I never want to play you again," she laughed, wiping off her tears.

"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," she added. "I mean... hope that we’ll be able to play many more finals, but yeah, it will be difficult," Anisimova said.

Still, the American can take many positives from her week in Toronto, as she earned enough points to return to the top-50 after more than a year: "I normally don’t do this, but I just want to say that I’m proud of myself. I feel like I’ve overcome a lot of things this year – from mental challenges to injuries – it’s not easy."

"I think just having a positive mindset and putting into the universe what you want is the most important thing, and that’s the only way you can make your dreams come true," she added.

Jessica Pegula had a lighthearted exchange with Anisimova after the final. During her victory speech, she praised her opponent and considered her a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour. The American No. 2 responded to her rival's comments: "Thank you for all the nice words. Just so you know, I don’t love playing you either," she joked during her victory speech.

"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," Pegula said.

The World No. 6 also highlighted Anisimova for the break she decided to take during 2023 when she was struggling with mental health issues: "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," Pegula added. "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.