Amanda Anisimova Shakes Off US Open Setback With Early

Amanda Anisimova has landed in Singapore and is already training hard, determined to move past a disappointing third-round exit at the US Open. The American star posted an intense workout video just days after her straight-sets loss to Anastasia Potapova in New York, a result that contributed to her fall from the Top 10 in the WTA rankings.

Anisimova wasted no time refocusing after the tournament. She flew to Singapore for the WTA 500 Singapore Tennis Open, which begins on Monday, September 21. Her social media video from the gym shows her preparing intensely for the event. This proactive shift follows a brutal 2026 US Open where she was defeated 6-3, 6-4 by Potapova, an opponent who later faced criticism for appearing to wave Anisimova off the court. The loss was a significant setback for a player who reached the final at Flushing Meadows just last year.

The tournament landscape shifted just before Anisimova's arrival. World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, the highest-ranked player confirmed for the event, withdrew on September 16 citing physical fatigue after a deep US Open run. Pegula said she was "not quite ready to get back on court" after her semi-final loss to Aryna Sabalenka. Canadian Leylah Fernandez, ranked 31st, accepted a wild card into the main draw instead. The field still includes top players like Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva and Filipina Alexandra Eala, setting up a critical opportunity for Anisimova to finish her season strongly.

Pegula's withdrawal spares Anisimova a potential rematch of a difficult matchup. Just last month, on Thursday, August 20, Pegula defeated Anisimova in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. The 6-4, 7-5 victory extended Pegula's perfect head-to-head record to 6-0 against her compatriot. Anisimova had entered that match with momentum, having overwhelmed Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 6-1, 6-4 in the previous round. But Pegula, then ranked 3rd, proved too consistent. Odds for that match listed Pegula as a -137 favorite with Anisimova at +113.

Recent reports highlight a mental shift for the 24-year-old. Anisimova has spoken openly about finding a happier relationship with tennis, a process that ironically began when she stepped away from the sport for a period. This renewed perspective seems to fuel her current work ethic. She's also developed a reputation for her relatable and humorous social media presence, once joking about why her facial expressions and reactions make her "so meme-able" to fans. This lighter, more balanced approach appears to be part of her toolkit as she manages the pressures of the tour.

• Anisimova is training in Singapore for the WTA 500 event starting September 21, seeking a rebound after her US Open exit.
• Her path opened up after Jessica Pegula, who beat her in Cincinnati last month, withdrew from the Singapore tournament.
• Anisimova's ranking has slipped from a career-high No. 3 start to 2026 to outside the Top 10 following recent results.
• The American has emphasized a healthier mental approach to her career, which began with a prior break from competition.

Her immediate action after the US Open shows a player not dwelling on the past. With a refreshed mindset and a competitive field awaiting her in Singapore, Anisimova's next matches will reveal if her hard work translates into a late-season surge.