Amanda Anisimova’s backhand was on fire at the US Open recently.
During the early stages of the US Open final, Anisimova was hitting backhand winners at a remarkable rate, putting Aryna Sabalenka under pressure.
Unfortunately for the American, those winners soon turned to unforced errors, as mistakes crept into her game, allowing Sabalenka to seal the win.
Photo by TIMOTHY A.CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
After the tournament finished, fans marvelled at an astonishing statistic, which showed that Anisimova had a faster backhand at the US Open than ATP stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Weighing in with his thoughts, Naomi Osaka’s former coach has explained how Anisimova’s backhand topped the charts at Flushing Meadows.
Patrick Mouratoglou says Amanda Anisimova hits her backhand with ‘no spin’
On Instagram, Patrick Mouratoglou gave his verdict on Anisimova’s backhand numbers.
“The stats showed this year that one woman is hitting shots faster than [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner, Amanda Anisimova,” he said.
Average backhand speed at the US OpenAmanda Anisimova – 77 mphJannik Sinner – 75 mphCarlos Alcaraz – 73 mph
“I’m not surprised when it comes to her backhand. It’s a shot she trusts 1,000,000%. She goes full, and she doesn’t apply spin.
“The ball is very low over the net, travels faster because there is no spin. So there is less security, more risk, more pace.”
The Frenchman praised Anisimova for having some of the best timing on the WTA Tour.
“First, her court position, very close to the line, and stepping in. Second, the level of risk; she’s a very high-risk player. And her timing, like [Jessica] Pegula, for me, they are the two players with the best timing on tour,” said Mouratoglou.
“They have such timing, so they hit the ball perfectly every time and this produces incredible pace.”
Mouratoglou proceeded to explain the differences between the men’s and women’s game.
“The thing is, yes, there are women who hit shots faster than Alcaraz and Sinner. Even though it’s difficult to believe,” he said.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
“But with a much higher percentage of risk. And it’s not a bad idea when it comes to women’s tennis, because men move incredibly fast.
“So, to open the court fast in the women’s game, early in the rally, it’s often a very good tactic.”
Anisimova’s backhand fired her to a second consecutive Grand Slam final at the US Open.
In doing so, she edged close to qualifying for the WTA Finals for the first time in her career.
Amanda Anisimova sits fourth in the Live WTA Race
The 24-year-old looks well-placed to qualify for the year-end finals in Saudi Arabia.
Currently fourth in the race with a solid buffer to ninth (1,382 points), the likelihood is we will see Anisimova make her WTA Finals debut in November.
RankNamePointsStatus1Aryna Sabalenka9,610Qualified2Iga Swiatek7,533Qualified3Coco Gauff5,184Currently qualifying4Amanda Anisimova4,908Currently qualifying5Madison Keys4,450Currently qualifying6Jessica Pegula4,209Currently qualifying7Mirra Andreeva4,189Currently qualifying8Elena Rybakina3,751Currently qualifying9Jasmine Paolini3,526Not currently qualifying10Ekaterina Alexandrova2,871Not currently qualifyingTop ten players in the Live ‘WTA Race’
Looking to confirm her spot in the tournament, Anisimova will compete in two WTA 1000 events over the next month or so.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesChina Open (Begins September 22)Wuhan Open (Begins October 6)
Anisimova has yet to reach the quarterfinals of either tournament in China, something she’ll be looking to improve upon in 2025.
The American star will return to WTA Tour action at the China Open, which begins on Monday, September 22.
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