Even tougher challenge awaits: Potapova looks forward
The Austrian made a statement at the US Open by eliminating Amanda Anisimova. However, an even bigger hurdle awaits in the Round of 16.
Anastasia Potapova has pulled off a coup at the US Open.
Austria's number one eliminated last year's finalist Amanda Anisimova from the tournament in the third round in New York on Saturday. The 25-year-old prevailed against the same-aged American 6:2, 7:5.
"I'm the happiest person out here," Potapova said after a significant improvement in performance compared to the first two rounds. "I get goosebumps every time I play here."
The match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest arena at the Flushing Meadows facility, was at times an emotional rollercoaster in the second set. While Anisimova visibly appeared annoyed, Potapova repeatedly shouted out her joy.
Potapova's emotions "not easy" to control
"It's not easy, and it takes time to learn," Potapova said when asked about her emotions. "I'm still in the learning process." She said she was a bit crazy. "But in a good way. I'm actually not afraid of anything, I'm always looking for adrenaline."
Anisimova committed 19 unforced errors in the first set, and no fewer than 46 in total. The former world number three, who has not found her stride this year and has yet to reach a WTA final, had already dropped a set in the second round against Austria's 18-year-old hopeful Lilli Tagger.
In the Round of 16, the third Grand Slam Round of 16 of her career - she had only achieved this previously at the French Open 2024 and 2026 - Potapova will face another top-ten player, namely the Russian Paris champion Mirra Andreeva.
Only an underdog against Andreeva
The 19-year-old is seeded number five and has dropped only six games in total in the first two rounds in Flushing Meadows. In round three, she eliminated the Czech world number 34, Nikola Bartunkova, 6:2, 7:6(5).
Potapova celebrated her only victory in four encounters with Andreeva in Monastir in 2022. Andreeva was 15 years old at the time. In April, Potapova lost to the teenager in the final of the WTA tournament in Linz.
"I'm looking forward to the next challenge," Potapova declared. "I want to play my best tennis in the next match."
