Key Takeaways
- Amanda Anisimova defeated Lilli Tagger 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to reach the third round at all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same season for the first time.
- The American struck 30 winners and adjusted her tactics against Tagger’s rare one-handed backhand, noting, “She plays with a lot of spin from that side.”
- Welcoming the playful Backhand Baddies Club label, Anisimova remarked that “it took me quite a long time, over 20 years of experience.”
Milestone victory on Grandstand
Amanda Anisimova secured a hard-fought place in the US Open third round, defeating Austria’s Lilli Tagger 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 out on Grandstand. The victory marked a significant career milestone for the 25-year-old American, who has now reached the third round at all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same season for the first time in her career. Producing an attacking display, Anisimova fired seven aces and struck 30 winners—doubling the tally of her opponent—across three sets of action.
Visiting the Tennis Channel desk following the match, Anisimova reviewed the shifting momentum of the contest. “Yeah, it was a bit of a roller coaster match and I felt like she was playing some great tennis out there, so I knew it was going to be a challenge,” Anisimova explained. “She’s very talented and young and coming player, so I was really excited for this one.”
Reflecting on her recovery in the deciding set, Anisimova added: “I thought that I played great. I felt like I picked up my level there in the third set. So happy with the win.”
Tackling an unfamiliar one-handed backhand
A distinct tactical challenge in the encounter came from Tagger’s rare technique, as Anisimova faced an opponent wielding a single-handed backhand. “I was excited because she has a one-handed backhand and that’s, you know, not the norm in the WTA and very unusual,” Anisimova said. “So, yeah, I feel like when I play against those players, I learn more about myself and I feel like I don’t know, I can develop more of a crafty game because you try and like learn how to play against someone that’s not someone that you’re normally matched up against.”
The American noted that the matchup presented completely new ground in her professional experience: “I felt like today was a new thing for me. Cuz I don’t think I’ve ever played someone with a one-handed backhand from what I can recall. So I’m always up for a new challenge. So yeah, it was fun.”
Explaining how she managed that stylistic contrast as the contest progressed, Anisimova highlighted the technical adjustments needed to deal with the spin: “Yeah, that you have to adjust to the spin and the rotation. She plays with a lot of spin from that side. And I felt like I was handling the pace well and yeah, I think in the second set I was going for a little bit too much. So I had to try and tone it down and just try and stay in the rallies in the third set. And I feel like I did a good job with that.”
Embracing new York energy and the Backhand Baddies Club
Looking ahead, Anisimova spoke glowingly about the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows, having reached the final in New York the previous year. “Oh my god, it’s electric out here. I’m hoping to play on Ashe soon because that’s a very unique experience and I had a lot of great memories last year and yeah, it’s unlike any other slam,” she said. “The energy here is amazing. The vibe is unmatched. So, I always love playing in New York.”
Off the court, she maintains balance by keeping a simple daily habit before the busy rounds begin. “Right now I’m keeping it kind of chill and low-key. I’m doing like a morning walk ritual where I just go and get coffee and go for a walk,” she shared, revealing that her current drink of choice is “a cappuccino with an extra shot” to stay properly energized.
Before leaving the desk, Anisimova was asked about being recognized as part of an exclusive group dubbed the Backhand Baddies Club. Laughing at the tag, she warmly embraced the acknowledgment of her signature groundstroke. “Yeah, I’m honored. It’s an honor to be part of that club,” she smiled. “Yeah, it took me quite a long time, over 20 years of experience. So yeah, I’m just happy to be a part of this club.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kkGtmf5Vp0
WTA U.S. Open - Amanda Anisimova's projected path
Anisimova at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.10, the American achieved a compiled 22-11 record in 2026. Anisimova is currently playing at the U.S. Open where she ousted the world no.60 Ashlyn Krueger 6-1 6-3 and the world no.49 Lilli Tagger 6-3 3-6 6-1.
Amanda Anisimova will come up against the world no.25 Anastasia Potapova in the 3rd round. Their head to head is 1-1.
The American won 4 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts and 1 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
