Anisimova's Slam Dream Shattered by Potapova

Amanda Anisimova's 2026 Grand Slam summer concluded prematurely with a third-round defeat at the U.S. Open. Anastasia Potapova secured a 6-2, 7-5 victory on Louis Armstrong Stadium, ending Anisimova's tournament.

This outcome sharply contrasts Anisimova's successful 2025 season, where she reached the U.S. Open final and Wimbledon final, rising to world No. 4. Despite making the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this year, she has now failed to advance to the second week of the past three Grand Slams.

Anisimova made a coaching change in the spring, parting ways with Henrik Vleeshouwers, who guided her previous career-best season. She then partnered with German coach Sebastian Saachs, but reunited with Vleeshouwers for the North American hard court swing.

Potapova, a Russian player now representing Austria, is establishing a reputation for eliminating top American players from Grand Slams, having also defeated Coco Gauff at the French Open in June.

During the match, Anisimova struggled with consistency, committing 18 forehand errors and winning only half of her first serve points. Potapova, conversely, maintained a steady game, absorbing Anisimova's shots and holding her nerve to close out the match, despite serving for it in the second set and getting broken.