US Open: Amanda Anisimova's Confidence Grows with Strong Start

Anisimova cruises past Birrell in straight sets at US Open

Amanda Anisimova defeats Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the US Open. Read more about her match schedule and results.

“If anything, I just embrace where I am and where my ranking is at when I step onto the court...”

Amanda Anisimova kicked off her US Open campaign with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Australia's Kimberly Birrell on Tuesday. As the eighth seed, Anisimova is riding high after a stellar season that saw her claim her first WTA 1000 title in Doha and reach the Wimbledon final, where she faced a tough 6-0, 6-0 loss to world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.

Anisimova's win over Birrell showcased her confidence and skill, breaking her opponent's serve twice in the second set to seal the deal. The American's strong performance sets her up for a promising run in the tournament.

Amanda Anisimova is back in the Wimbledon quarterfinals! pic.twitter.com/QJABdq1MI4

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 6, 2025

“It's not easy playing in the first round of a Grand Slam, I never played against her so it was tricky,” Anisimova said.

“It's been a special year, I'm just enjoying the journey. I try to have fun every day but these are the moments I enjoy the most.

“I lost in the first round last year, so I'm really happy to have done better than that.”

The 23-year-old dominated the match, breaking to love for a 4-2 lead. Although the world number 83 briefly regained momentum with a break, the young player swiftly reasserted control with another break to love. She sealed the first set with a confident service game, finishing with an ace.

Amanda Anisimova cruised through the second set, breaking Kimberly Birrell twice to seal a 6-2 victory and advance to the second round of the US Open. She'll face fellow Australian Maya Joint next, looking to build on her strong start to the tournament.

Anisimova's win marked a confident return to form after a tough loss in the Wimbledon final, where she was defeated 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek. However, the American is choosing to focus on the present, embracing her momentum in New York rather than dwelling on past disappointments.

“I'm just enjoying the journey,” Anisimova said, highlighting her determination to savor each moment and find joy in the experience. Her impressive performance on Tuesday, including 6 aces and 24 first-serve points won, demonstrates her growing confidence and skill on the court.

Anisimova gets it done in straight sets to reach Round 2! pic.twitter.com/vb4cos36U9

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2025

World number nine Amanda Anisimova is channeling her current form and Top-10 ranking into confidence, rather than feeling added pressure. “If anything, I just embrace where I am and where my ranking is at when I step onto the court and just try and use it to my advantage,” she said.

Anisimova believes her impressive run to the Wimbledon final will be invaluable in her home Grand Slam. Reflecting on her experience, she is confident that it will help her navigate the challenges of the US Open and potentially make a deep run in the tournament.

“I was playing some great tennis there, and there were a lot of tough matches that I got through,” she said. “There were a lot of times where I dug really deep, and I think that’s going to be really important for me here.”

Anisimova will face Maya Joint in the second round, another Australian player looking to make her mark in the tournament.