Amanda Anisimova extended her head-to-head record against Aryna Sabalenka to 6-2 as she sealed an incredible 6-4, 6-2 win over the Australian Open champion. The 22-year-old American who was previously just outside the top 20 in the world still very much has lofty ambitions.
She took a break last year due to fatigue and mental health issues and has not had the results perhaps that she has wanted since then. But has been superb this past week in Toronto and will hope to continue that forward.
If she does, her ultimate goal could become more of a reality. She wants to eventually become World No.1 and a Grand Slam champion and given the promise she showed early in her career, she certainly has the game.
Next up will be Emma Navarro for a spot in the final. The other side of the draw sees Diana Shnaider face defending champion Jessica Pegula for a spot in the final.
But it has been an interesting week for Anisimova who got a walkover against Anna Kalinskaya after going 6-2 up but prior to that, she breezed past Daria Kasatkina and Caroline Dolehide. The latter paid heed to her run last week in Washington so it was immediate revenge that was built upon.
“Yeah, I mean, I still hopefully have many more years left in my career, and there are many goals that I have for myself that I want to accomplish throughout my career," said Anisimova.
"Like a small one for this year was to break into the top 100, and I've already done that, so I'm really happy about that. It's just small steps in the right direction to hopefully achieve the things that I want to be able to achieve, like winning a Grand Slam, and becoming No. 1 one day, so, yeah, I just, I hope that with all the training I do and staying healthy I can get to that point.”
