Amanda Anisimova handed brutal setback after imploding in US Open upset

13:49 ET, 05 Sep 2026Updated 13:49 ET, 05 Sep 2026

American tennis star Amanda Anisimova has been eliminated from the US Open after suffering a shock straight-sets defeat to Anastasia Potapova in the third round.

Anisimova entered the US Open as the No. 10 seed and reached the final last year before losing to Aryna Sabalenka. The two-time defending champion continues to thrive at the US Open, though she was seen complaining to the umpire about a fan "smoking weed" during her latest match.

While it hasn't been the best year for Anisimova at the Grand Slams after a memorable 2025, she was in high spirits heading into the US Open. However, her run in the tournament was cut short, and she will now drop out of the top 10 in the WTA rankings.

Anisimova struggled throughout the third-round match, with a total of 43 unforced errors over two sets. After losing the opening set 6-2, Anisimova had a mountain to climb to overcome her opponent.

Potapova broke Anisimova four times in the second set, but the American initially brought the score back to 5-5 as she aimed to force a decider. However, she was broken at the most crucial time and lost the second set 7-5.

It was a career win for Potapova, who reached the fourth round of the US Open for the first time. It also matched her greatest Grand Slam performance, after twice reaching the fourth round of the French Open.

"I think I'm the happiest person out here. Maybe my coach is a little bit happier, but that's the question we are going to find out later," Potapova said on court after her victory.

The Austrian-Russian tennis star is known for showing her emotions on the court, but has made a conscious effort to not let it impact her performance this year. "Well, it's not easy because it takes time to learn, and I'm still in the process of learning and being better every day," she added.

"To be honest, to play here gives me so many goosebumps when I come out onto this court. It means everything to me, and I'm really happy."

When asked about her fearless approach to tennis, Potapova added, "Yes, I'm a little bit crazy, but in a good way. I'm not scared of anything; I'm always looking for adrenaline in my life.

"I'm super excited for the next one. It was a very nice match today, but now it's time to recover."

For Anisimova, the US Open exit sums up a disappointing end to the year after a breakout 2025 season. She began the year at No. 3 in the rankings after reaching the Wimbledon and US Open finals, but will exit the top 10.

Anisimova started the year strong in Australia, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time. However, the American is still only 25, with a bright future.