Amanda Anisimova wins biggest career title at Doha WTA 1000

Amanda Anisimova won her third and most prestigious WTA singles title on Saturday in Doha after dropping just one set on the week at the 1000-level event. 

Behind her title run, the American earned her Top 20 debut in the WTA rankings, vaulting 23 places to No. 18. A former junior world No. 2, Anisimova has rebuilt her ranking over the past 13 months, having dropped outside the Top 400 after taking a mental-health break from the sport in the second half of 2023.

The best results of her comeback prior to Doha were her fourth-round run at the 2023 Australian Open and her runner-up finish last summer at the Toronto WTA 1000, where she was beaten by compatriot Jessica Pegula in a three-set final.

The 23-year-old's path to the Doha title included straight-sets wins against Victoria Azarenka, Paula Badosa, Leylah Fernandez, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Jelena Ostapenko. She claimed the trophy with a 6-4, 6-3 win against Ostapenko that was twice briefly interrupted by rain.

After securing the biggest title of her young career, Anisimova reflected on her milestone week: "It feels amazing," she said, pointing to her composure as a key to her success. "It's been such an incredible week here. I think every match has been very tough. I'm just super happy with my performances and my level here, and to be able to get my first 1000 title is really special to me."

Anisimova is now 3-2 in WTA finals, with her other titles coming in Bogata in 2019 and in Melbourne in 2022. Four of her five finals have come on hard courts, with Bogata (clay) the exception.

In addition to rediscovering joy in her tennis journey—from the training court to the stadium court—Anisimova has also developed her game since returning to the WTA Tour.