Amanda Anisimova celebrated a “great achievement” after her showpiece performance against Jessica Pegula at the Canadian Open.
Anisimova picked up her fourth top-20 win of the week in Toronto on Sunday, defeating Emma Navarro 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.
With this victory, Anisimova, who is now ranked 132nd in the world after her tennis break in 2023, is the lowest-ranked Canadian Open finalist in the last 40 years.
But she is not finished yet.
“This is a huge achievement for me and something I have worked really hard for,” Anisimova said, according to the WTA’s official website.
“Honestly, I’m just super happy with my week here and quite surprised at how well I’ve done so far.
“I’m still hungry for more and hope I can do really well (in the final).”
Anisimova took a break last year to focus on her mental health, but the American always had her sights set on returning to the top level.
“When I retired, I knew I really wanted to come back and I didn’t want to end my career,” Anisimova said.
“There was still a lot I wanted to accomplish, but I didn’t want to stop at such a young age because I had sacrificed so much and given so much to the sport. So, yes, I knew I wanted to play for many more years.”
Compatriot Pegula stands in the way of Anisimova and her chance at fame: The world number six defeated Diana Shnaider 6:4, 6:3.
Pegula is the first player since Simona Halep (2015–2016) and the first American since Jennifer Capriati (2001–2002) to reach two consecutive finals at the Canadian Open.
“I don’t always get the chance to defend my title, so I’m happy to be able to put myself in a good position to do so,” said Pegula.
“I think it’s cool that my name is next to so many other great names in history who either played well here or were able to defend the title. That’s something very special.”
Among American players, only Serena Williams (18) and Venus Williams (six) have reached more WTA 1000 finals than Pegula (four) since the format was introduced in 2009.
