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Amanda Anisimova Exits Canadian Open After Emotional Defeat to Elina Svitolina

American tennis player Amanda Anisimova exited the WTA 1000 event in Toronto following a straight-sets loss to Elina Svitolina. The defeat comes amid a 2026 season defined by injury setbacks and fluctuating form.

· 2 min read
Updated

Key takeaways

  • Amanda Anisimova was eliminated from the Canadian Open in the fourth round by Elina Svitolina.
  • The 2026 season has been a period of struggle for Anisimova, involving injuries and a loss of competitive form.
  • Anisimova faces significant ranking pressure heading into the US Open, where she was a finalist in 2025.
  • Despite the loss, Anisimova displayed resilience by saving match points in the final stages of the match.

What Happened

Amanda Anisimova’s North American hardcourt campaign suffered a setback in the fourth round of the Canadian Open. The eighth-seeded American fell to Elina Svitolina in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. During a changeover in the match, Anisimova was visibly emotional, shedding tears as she struggled to find consistency against the ninth-seeded Ukrainian.

Anisimova’s path to the fourth round included a first-round bye and a walkover in the second round. In the third round, she secured a comeback victory against Nikola Bartůňková, winning 3-6, 6-0, 6-4. However, she was unable to replicate that recovery against Svitolina, despite saving match points in the final games of the second set.

Background

The 2026 season has proven difficult for the 24-year-old Anisimova. After reaching the Wimbledon final in 2025, her performance at the grass-court Major this year ended in the third round against Madison Keys. The athlete has acknowledged physical challenges, noting that her current season has been impacted by various injury setbacks. Following her win over Bartůňková, Anisimova stated she had been struggling to find enjoyment and her typical identity on the court for several months.

Key Facts

  • Match Score: Elina Svitolina defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-4 in the Canadian Open fourth round.
  • Seeding: Anisimova entered the Toronto tournament as the No. 8 seed; Svitolina was the No. 9 seed.
  • Season Context: Anisimova reached the 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finals but lost in the third round of Wimbledon in 2026.
  • Recent Performance: Anisimova recorded a three-set win over Nikola Bartůňková prior to her elimination.

What Happens Next

Anisimova is scheduled to compete next at the Cincinnati Open, a WTA 1000 event beginning August 13. This tournament serves as a final preparation for the US Open, where Anisimova faces significant pressure to defend ranking points earned during her run to the final the previous year.

Sources reviewed

Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.

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