Amanda Anisimova and Alexei Popyrin await in Toronto and Montreal, respectively.
The National Bank Open is set for an all-American final in the women’s singles category.
Defending champion and third seed Jessica Pegula advanced to the final after defeating Russia’s No. 14 seed Diana Shnaider 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday. Pegula, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, will face Amanda Anisimova in Monday’s title match at 6 p.m. ET in Toronto.
Anisimova earned her place in the final by overcoming fellow American and No. 8 seed Emma Navarro in a three-set battle, winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in the semifinals. Ranked No. 132, Anisimova is the lowest-seeded player to reach the National Bank Open semifinals since Sloane Stephens, who was ranked No. 934 in 2017.
Anisimova’s impressive run to the final included four victories over top-20 opponents, including No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 12 Daria Kasatkina, and No. 17 Anna Kalinskaya. Pegula, on the other hand, improved her record at the National Bank Open to 16-2, including last year’s championship win, which followed two consecutive semifinal appearances at the $3.2-million event.
Blisters and Ankle Troubles
Anisimova, who had dominated the first set but struggled in the second, was granted a medical timeout to address a blister on her left foot. As she received treatment just off Centre Court, Anisimova focused on calming her nerves and preparing for the final set.
Despite dealing with blisters and a challenging eight-month break from the WTA Tour to focus on her mental health, Anisimova has made a strong comeback, including a semester in college and experiencing “a normal life” after early success in her career, such as reaching the 2019 French Open semifinals at just 17 years old.
Anisimova’s resilience paid off as she brushed aside the adversity, including the swirling winds that have been a significant factor throughout the week at York University. Sunday’s gusts, reaching over 40 km/h, added an extra layer of difficulty to the match.
Navarro noted how unpredictable the wind was during play, with it changing direction mid-rally, making it a “stressful” condition for both players.
Looking ahead to the final, Anisimova is determined to continue her upward trajectory as she faces Pegula in the championship match.
