'I learned from Wimbledon': Amanda Anisimova determined to rewrite storyline against Iga Swiatek in New York

Amanda Anisimova is back in the spotlight at the US Open, and this time she has a chance to rewrite one of the toughest chapters of her career. After sweeping Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-0, 6-3 in the fourth round, the American booked a quarterfinal showdown with World No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

The matchup instantly brings flashbacks to their Wimbledon 2025 final, where Anisimova endured a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat. Now, under the lights in New York and on a surface where she feels more at home, Anisimova sees this as an opportunity for redemption against the dominant Polish star.

Her path to the last eight has been impressive, showing a sharper and more disciplined version of her game. Against Haddad Maia, a notoriously gritty opponent, Anisimova delivered one of her cleanest performances of the season, controlling the rallies and dictating play with her aggressive groundstrokes.

Swiatek, meanwhile, advanced by comfortably dispatching Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-1, reinforcing her status as the player to beat. Their collision course feels inevitable, and tennis fans are bracing for a quarterfinal that mixes both history and high stakes.

For Anisimova, the memories of Wimbledon remain raw. “It wasn’t a good performance by any means,” she admitted about the lopsided loss in London. “I feel like maybe I learned some things from it and some things I can do differently, but above all I think it was just a learning experience.” While many wondered how she would recover from such a blowout, the 24-year-old has managed to channel that painful result into motivation. Her results during the hard-court swing suggest she has moved forward, and the US Open has proven the perfect stage for her revival.

Still, the mental challenge is undeniable. Losing a Grand Slam final without winning a game is the kind of scar that can linger for months. Anisimova, however, insists she is ready to face Swiatek again and embrace the pressure that comes with it. “Bouncing back from that actually was a little bit difficult because that never happened to me before. But I’ve worked through it, and the hard-court season started off strong for me. So I feel like I have moved on from that at this point.”

A new chance on a new stage

“I’m really excited and looking forward to it,” Anisimova said of her upcoming clash with Swiatek. “At this stage of the game, you’re going to play a really tough opponent regardless. So, to be able to have a rematch or to be able to face her again and give myself another chance, I’m really, really happy about that.”

The American’s confidence comes not just from her recent win over Haddad Maia but from a renewed belief in her ability to adjust on the big stage. Swiatek, who has been nearly flawless this season, remains the heavy favourite. Yet Anisimova’s weapons—her flat backhand and fearless return game—have the potential to trouble the world No. 1 if she can sustain her level. “I feel like it’s going to be a really tough challenge, but I feel like I’ve been playing well. I’m sure it’s going to be a great match, and I hope I can put on a good performance.”

That mindset underscores how far she has come since Wimbledon. While critics still bring up the “double bagel” final, Anisimova sees it differently. “Honestly, I think every athlete has kind of the same vision and mentality but obviously, because of the score at Wimbledon, everybody started asking this question. When you don’t play sports, you don’t get it, but if you do, then you know that you’re not going to give anything for free.”

As the US Open quarterfinal approaches, the storyline couldn’t be sharper: Anisimova chasing redemption, Swiatek looking to maintain her dominance, and Haddad Maia left as the stepping stone in Anisimova’s resurgence. Whether this clash becomes a turning point or another harsh reminder will be decided under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.