Amanda Anisimova exits US Open early amid mental health

Amanda Anisimova lost in the third round of the 2026 US Open on September 5, falling to a higher-seeded opponent in straight sets after a hard-fought battle that ended with unsporting conduct from her rival drawing criticism. The 23-year-old American had shown flashes of her best form earlier in the tournament but could not sustain momentum against consistent pressure.

What sparked the viral drink moment during her US Open run?

During her match, a close-up camera shot captured Amanda Anisimova sipping from an unmarked can, leading to rapid speculation online about whether she was drinking beer. The clip spread quickly across social platforms, though no official comment confirmed the contents, and she remained focused on her performance despite the distraction.

How is Amanda Anisimova managing pressure and mental resets on tour?

In a recent interview, Amanda Anisimova revealed she relies on simple rituals like touching grass between points and calling her mother when stress builds. She described these small actions as vital mental resets that help her stay present during high-stakes matches, especially after periods of burnout.

Why did Amanda Anisimova step away from tennis before returning stronger?

Earlier in 2026, Amanda Anisimova took an indefinite break from professional tennis to prioritize her mental health, admitting she had lost her love for the game. She said leaving the sport temporarily allowed her to rediscover joy in training and competition, a shift she credits for her improved mindset upon return.

How did other former US Open finalists perform alongside her in New York?

Amanda Anisimova was not the only notable name to exit early, as fellow former finalists Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys also crashed out before the second week. Their departures opened the draw significantly, though none advanced past the fourth round in a surprising turn of events at Flushing Meadows.

• Amanda Anisimova lost in the third round of the 2026 US Open on September 5
• She sparked online debate after a viral video showed her drinking from an unmarked can
• She calls her mother and touches grass to manage pressure during matches
• She took a break from tennis in early 2026 to recover her passion for the sport
• Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys also exited the US Open before the second week