American tennis star Amanda Anisimova prepared for a press conference at the 2026 Cincinnati Open, like she's done countless times throughout her decade-long career. But this time, she was met by a sea of empty chairs.
This press conference wasn't like the others. It was a Pure Leaf "break conference."
"I thought I was walking into a press room and was going to do my usual, tending to work," Anisimova recalled to USA TODAY Sports. "And (Pure Leaf) ended up surprising me with my mom and my dog, which I had missed... I kept texting my mom like, 'Oh, I wish I could see you guys.' So that was an unreal experience."
The two-time Grand Slam finalist is heading into the 2026 US Open, the fourth and final major of the year that Anisimova "looks forward
to the most," with a new perspective of what it takes to be at her best. She's used her platform to advocate for mental health, proving that stepping away sometimes helps you move forward.
She's living in that reality now.
"One of the most important things in life is taking a break and how important it is to reset, not just for your body, but also for your mind," Anisimova said. "It taught me everything about how important it is to have a good balance on and off of the court. And if you're not happy on the court or off of the court, then you're not really going to get the results that you want."
Anisimova spoke to USA TODAY Sports ahead of the US Open through her partnership with Pure Leaf Iced Tea, who's showing how meaningful breaks can be a game changer. Pure Leaf is also offering that opportunity to fans, hosting a Tea Break Cart near Bryant Park on Wednesday, Sept. 2, with mocktails and merch available.
Amanda Anisimova: US Open title 'would mean the world'
Anisimova announced she was stepping away from tennis in May 2023, citing burnout and mental fatigue. Anisimova dropped to No. 373 in the WTA rankings during her eight-month hiatus, but climbed to a career-high No. 3 ranking after a breakout 2025 season. She made back-to-back finals appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open, but jubilation was soon followed by heartbreak.
Anisimova lost to Iga Swiatek by a double bagel in the 2025 Wimbledon final and suffered a straight-set defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 US Open final, despite forcing a second-set tiebreak.
The New Jersey native said the losses still linger in her mind, but staying "present and mindful" has helped her focus on small, day-by-day steps so she doesn't dwell on what could've been.
"I do get flooded with the memories of the final last year and how close I was to achieving my dream," Anisimova told USA TODAY Sports. "I'm really trying to reset and come back to the little things that I need to do day in and day out. And those are the things that I feel like help me get to the final."
Anisimova said winning her first Grand Slam title "would mean the world to me."
"That's a big goal of mine, not the only goal I have in tennis, but that's kind of like the first step of one of the biggest goals," she revealed. "I have won two 1000 tournaments (2025 Qatar Ladies Open, 2025 China Open), which were other goals that I had. And now that I've achieved those, I feel like the next one is winning a Grand Slam. But yeah, I feel like hopefully when the day comes, I'm really able to celebrate myself and with all the people around me because it really does take a village to get to that place."
Amanda Anisimova among top US contenders
Anisimova opened the 2026 US Open with mixed doubles alongside partner Learner Tien. The American duo was defeated in the first round by fellow American duo Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul, 5-3, 4-2. Although Anisimova hoped to make it further in the event, she said mixed doubles is about soaking in the atmosphere.
"I love it. I mean, I was born in New Jersey, so I have a lot of Jersey fans that come out and support me, but also the New Yorkers. It's always the best time. I love competing here and I love the crowd," she said. "I feel like I thrive off of the energy so much here. So yeah, really excited to get started."
The U.S. women are sending a strong contingent to New York. Five American women are Top 25 in the WTA rankings – Jessica Pegula (3), Coco Gauff (4), Anisimova (10), Iva Jovic (16) and Madison Keys (24).
"I think being able to share that with fellow countrywoman and countrymen that are around you playing makes it seem like you're a little bit more on a team," Pegula told USA TODAY Sports. "This sport is so individuals that I think it's kind of nice to have that feeling that we're all kind of in it together. And I think it also alleviates some pressure. There's not just one person, one American that has to win the U.S. Open."
Gauff was the last American woman to win the U.S Open in 2023. Pegula finished runner-up in 2024 and Anisimova finished second in 2025, both behind back-to-back champion Aryna Sabalenka.
"Losing in a final definitely teaches you a lot of lessons and you're always leaving the match with some takeaways and I for sure learned a few," Anisimova added. "I've also gained experience. I mean, if I'm in that position again, hopefully I'd love to obviously be in the final again this year."
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amanda Anisimova seeks US Open redemption with new mindset
