NEW YORK (Reuters) – In a decisive third‑round match at the U.S. Open, Austria’s Anastasia Potapova defeated American 10th seed Amanda Anisimova 6‑2, 7‑5, securing a spot in the tournament’s fourth round for the first time.
Potapova displayed aggressive baseline play, defending 13 of the 16 break points she faced and converting key opportunities early. She broke Anisimova’s serve in the third game of the opening set and added another break in the seventh game, establishing a comfortable lead that she never relinquished.
Match Highlights
The Austrian’s composure was evident throughout the contest. After breaking Anisimova’s serve, Potapova held steady, using powerful groundstrokes to keep the American on the defensive. The crowd at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, a historic venue known for its passionate tennis fans, cheered loudly for both competitors, but especially for the home‑grown Anisimova, who rallied to keep the match competitive.
In the second set, the two players traded breaks three times, creating a tense back‑and‑forth that highlighted the high stakes of a Grand Slam third round. Anisimova, who accumulated 46 unforced errors, struggled to find consistency, especially on crucial points. A pivotal moment came on a break point in the penultimate game when Anisimova’s shot sailed just past the baseline, giving Potapova a chance to serve for the match.
Potapova seized the opportunity, absorbing Anisimova’s power from the baseline and delivering a precise final rally. She celebrated the point by clasping her hands to her mouth, a gesture that captured the excitement of the moment. The Austrian then closed out the match on match point, sending Anisimova home after a valiant effort.
Post‑Match Reactions
“I think I’m the happiest person out here – maybe my coach is a little bit happier,” Potapova said, smiling after the win. “To play here gives me so many goosebumps when I come out on this court in front of this crowd.”
Anisimova, a Wimbledon runner‑up last year, reflected on the loss, noting that she had a long discussion with her coaches after the first set. She expressed disappointment at not being able to replicate the form that carried her to the final in 2025, but remained optimistic about the remainder of her season.
Looking Ahead
Potapova’s victory sets up a fourth‑round clash with either Russia’s Mirra Andreeva or the Czech Republic’s Nikola Bartunkova, both of whom have shown strong performances in the early rounds. The winner of that match will advance to the quarterfinals, moving one step closer to a potential first Grand Slam title.
For Anisimova, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining elite performance on the world stage. She will look to regroup and address the unforced errors that plagued her in New York, aiming to return stronger in upcoming tournaments.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
