From mental health break to champion: Amanda Anisimova completes stunning Qatar Open title – "It's been such an incredible week here"

Amanda Anisimova secured the most significant title of her career at the Qatar Open after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-3. The 23-year-old American also guaranteed her debut in the WTA top 20, as she will rise to world No. 18 on Monday.

Just six months ago, Anisimova lost the Canadian Open final to Jessica Pegula. Since bursting onto the Tour, she has displayed immense talent, reaching the French Open semifinals at just 18 years old—the same year she won her first WTA title at the Colsanitas Open in Colombia.

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Anisimova remained a top-30 player for several years before stepping away from the sport in 2023 due to mental health struggles. Since her return, she has steadily improved her results, climbing the rankings to secure her highest-ever position.

Despite her young age and nearly a year-long break, Anisimova is already a seasoned competitor on the WTA Tour, boasting a 170-100 record and career earnings nearing $6 million. Her victory over Ostapenko adds almost $600,000 to her prize money total.

"It feels amazing," Anisimova told the press after her win. "It's been such an incredible week here. I think every match has been very tough. I'm just super happy with my performances and my level here, and to be able to get my first 1000 title is really special to me."

Amanda Anisimova will reach world No. 18 this Monday her best ranking so far.

Anisimova took control from the start, winning the first set 6-4 by capitalizing on her strong serve. She effectively countered Ostapenko’s power and remained level with her opponent in the second set when a 20-minute rain delay interrupted play.

"It was actually quite stressful, especially with the rain, at 3-3," Anisimova said. "I was trying to stay focused. There's not much that either of us could do with the conditions. But I think that game was super important, and I'm happy that it went my way because, as you said, it was a very challenging moment in the match."

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"I think that I've been able to really execute well from my backhand side," Anisimova added. "But also, I've been working a lot on my forehand, which I think has also produced a lot of winners."

“I think I'm really trying to develop my game as a whole, try to come into the net more, and use my serve to my advantage,” she said. “I think my whole game is actually coming together, and, yes, I still try to go for my backhand line when I can," she laughed.

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