"Kind of laughed it off, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is insane": Amanda Anisimova amazed by post Wimbledon bagel bounceback

Amanda Anisimova walked into the press room at the US Open with the kind of smile that tells its own story. After booking her place in the semifinals with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 performance over world number two Iga Swiatek, the 24-year-old American spoke candidly about the journey that brought her here, just weeks after enduring one of the most painful defeats of her career.

Speaking in the press conference after her win, Anisimova reflected on how setbacks no longer define her. For the American, the US Open has become not just about results, but about proving to herself that belief and positivity can fuel success.

"Today was definitely different than any other match I’ve played because of the circumstances" she said when asked about the occasion. "I really tried to go in with the right mindset, especially in the last 24 hours, preparing myself more mentally than physically. I’m really pleased with the way I was able to go into it and perform.".

Just weeks earlier, the emotions were markedly different, as the American appeared revitalised compared to the player who lost 6-0, 6-0 to the Pole in the Wimbledon final. Reflecting on this, she said, "Then I got on the phone with someone and kind of laughed it off, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is insane.’ I feel like I bounced back really quickly. A few years ago, I might not have done the same. I’d never lost 6–0, 6–0 before, and then to lose 6–0 in a Grand Slam final was a lot to experience. But today I’m really proud of myself. I proved to myself, and maybe to others, that if you put out a positive mindset and work through things, you can have a positive outcome.".

That change in outlook has shaped her tournament: "What I’ve learned is to not go into matches with fear... At the start of the tournament, I was holding back a bit. As I’ve progressed, I’ve told myself I can’t play with fear, especially against top players. If I want to win, I have to play brave, strong tennis. Today I came out with not an ounce of fear. If you watched, I was constantly moving and giving myself positive reinforcement, which isn’t something I always do.".

Preparation for such a stage involved both routine and focus. "I had to wake up at 7 a.m., which was tough because I’m not a morning person," she said. "I got to the courts early to warm up, then watched the whole Felix versus Alex match from the locker room, it was incredible from both players. I was sad someone had to lose. Apart from that, I tried to go about things normally, warming up in the gym. They were playing the Wimbledon final on TV, but I just zoned in and blocked everything out. I use mindfulness tactics, and I focused a lot on that today.".

If the American wants to make the next step to make two consecutive Grand Slam finals, she will have to beat 4 time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. When asked about having to face the Japanese player, Anisimova said, "She’s a four-time Grand Slam champion, very successful, and a really strong hitter, especially on hard courts. I feel like she’s found her groove this year, she looks like she’s enjoying it out there. Her biggest strengths are her movement and tricky shots. I love watching her play; she’s really crafty.".

With her confidence restored and a newfound mental toughness, Anisimova heads into the semifinal brimming with belief. After turning heartbreak into motivation, the 24-year-old has proven that setbacks can be stepping stones, and the semifinals in New York may just be the start of another defining chapter in her career.