'I’m not surprised when it comes to her backhand' : Mouratoglou explains why Amanda Anisimova topped Alcaraz and Sinner in a US Open stat

The 2025 US Open will be remembered not only for Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph over Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final, but also for a surprising statistic that has shaken up perceptions in tennis. Patrick Mouratoglou, long-time coach and analyst, shared on Instagram that Amanda Anisimova’s average backhand speed outpaced both Alcaraz and Sinner in New York.

According to the official data, Anisimova’s backhand averaged 77 mph, compared to Sinner’s 75 mph and Alcaraz’s 73 mph. While the men’s game is often seen as the benchmark for power, these numbers reveal that in certain aspects, women are not only keeping pace but even setting new standards. And the stat wasn’t just empty data—Anisimova carried that ferocious backhand all the way to the final, where she eventually fell to Aryna Sabalenka.

Mouratoglou broke down why Anisimova’s backhand is unique. “The stats showed this year that one woman is hitting shots faster than Alcaraz and Sinner, Amanda Anisimova. I’m not surprised when it comes to her backhand. It’s a shot she trusts a million percent,” he said. Alcaraz may have lifted the trophy, beating his rival Sinner in four sets, but Anisimova’s fearless striking became one of the tournament’s most talked-about storylines.

While Alcaraz’s ability to absorb pressure and turn defense into offense secured his second US Open title, Anisimova’s run was a reminder of just how impactful precision and aggression can be in the women’s game. Her performance reignited the conversation about risk-reward ratios, something Mouratoglou highlighted when analyzing her stroke mechanics.

Why Anisimova’s backhand packs more speed

Mouratoglou explained that the secret lies in technique and mindset rather than raw strength. “She goes full and she doesn’t apply spin. The ball is very low over the net, travels faster because there is no spin, so there is less security, more risk, more pace,” he noted. By eliminating spin, Anisimova maximizes velocity, but that also means she plays with thinner margins for error.

Her court positioning also plays a decisive role. “First, her court position, very close to the line and stepping in. Second, the level of risk. She’s a very high-risk player and her timing, like Pegula,” Mouratoglou added. This aggressive stance allows her to cut down her opponent’s reaction time, forcing them to defend against rockets coming off both wings, but especially her backhand.

The comparison with Jessica Pegula is not accidental. “For me, they are the two players with the best timing on tour. They have such a timing, so they hit the ball perfectly every time and this produces incredible pace,” Mouratoglou continued. Timing, rather than sheer muscle, is what gives Anisimova the ability to generate speeds higher than two of the ATP’s most explosive hitters.

Risk vs Reward in the Women’s Game

But can such risk-heavy tennis consistently win Grand Slam titles? Mouratoglou’s answer suggests it’s more viable in the WTA than the ATP. “Yes, there are women that hit shots faster than Alcaraz and Sinner, even though it’s difficult to believe, but with a much higher percentage of risk. And it’s not a bad idea when it comes to women’s tennis because men move incredibly fast. So to open the court fast in the women’s game early in the rally is often a very good tactic,” he said.

This is a key distinction: in the men’s game, rallies often involve extreme court coverage, where consistency and movement can blunt the effect of raw speed. In the women’s game, taking time away from opponents by flattening out shots can create decisive advantages. Anisimova’s US Open run demonstrated this dynamic perfectly, as she blazed through the draw with her bold shot-making.