DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 19, 2026

Amanda Anisimova

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Press Conference

A. ANISIMOVA/M. Andreeva

2-6, 7-5, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Amanda, that was a crazy match out there. Just talk us through how you managed to get through in three sets.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, a crazy tough match. Really tough battle from both of us, I think. I feel like the quality of tennis was really high, too. Yeah, really enjoyed it.

Really tough that we both couldn't win at the end of the day. It was such a tough match. Just really happy to be through.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You seemed really touched by when she broke down at the end. Can you talk about that moment.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, made me like really emotional because I feel like we both sort of felt that way throughout the match probably because it was such a roller coaster, so up and down. Despite whichever way it was going, I feel like we were both fighting with everything we had and trying our best.

Yeah, it's not easy to see someone that gives their all and then to react like that. It made me really sad for her. In my mind, I was just, like, thinking if she keeps playing like this, there's a title around the corner for her. Obviously she's going to have a great year. She seems to be doing all the right things. Yeah, not easy to be a defending champion. But I feel like she did an amazing job.

Yeah, that's kind of why I felt like that. I mean, there will be many more matches for us to come, I'm sure.

Q. You went to the net 25 times today. You were successful a lot. Was that the strategy going in or did she bring you in?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, not really. Before the match that wasn't really something in my mind. But as the match went on, she gets to every single ball. So I felt like I was trying different things, like dropshots, coming into the net, trying to use the court as much as I can because, yeah, otherwise I don't think that the point would finish if I just kept hitting the ball.

Yeah, it's something I've also tried to get better at and improve in, is my net play. I feel like I can play well at the net if I commit to it. Yeah, just something I'm trying to improve in.

Q. How do you adjust your game...

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: I feel like she was just playing really well. There wasn't much I was doing wrong. I was making my first shots, I was trying my best. I think she was just playing very aggressive. I felt like I had to step it up and commit to my shots more. Tried to also be the aggressive one.

I feel like that's kind of the direction I was going into in the second set, is just going for more, committing to the game that I like to play, which is an aggressive game style.

Yeah, I feel like we were just kind of going back to back with it. I feel like we were both trying to play really aggressive. I feel like the game style had shifted a lot of times throughout the match, as well.

Q. Tomorrow you'll face Jessica. Obviously you played last month in AO. Given it's a new city, court, climate, how much value do you put into a match that's recent in terms of preparation for it?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, I feel like that feels like such a long time ago for me because every week we have a lot going on. There's so many practices, so many matches.

I'm feeling, like, a lot better, like I said, every single day here. I feel like I've been going into the right direction. I'm really happy with the things I'm working on and the progress I've been making since I finished Australia.

Yeah, I'm excited at the end of the day. It's another challenge for me, another opportunity for me to learn more about myself and my game and see how things have changed since that match that I played at Australia.

Yeah, overall, I mean, nothing that I can really lose at the end of the day. I feel like I've done well here this week. It's another chance for me to see how I've developed as a player and give my best.

Q. What was going on after missing the first match point?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, I think I remembered at one point. When was it, again?

Q. 5-3.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: I think when it was 5-All I was like, Damn, I had a match point at 5-3. How did you blow that (laughter)? I was like maybe I might lose the match at this point, too. Yeah, wasn't easy.

I think I had another one I missed, like a backhand line. This one was even easier I missed. The other one was actually a tough point.

Yeah, I think it was just a flying thought in my mind. It didn't really stick long. I feel like we were both playing so well, so of course that's going to happen. I think Coco also saved a few match points last night. I ended up coming to watch that match in the end.

I feel like the tennis here has been sort of a roller coaster. That's also what makes this sport so enjoyable to watch. Yeah, the game can be crazy.

Q. Have you gotten to watch any Eala matches at all? She's winning a whole new set of fans. Are other players feeling that, as well?

AMANDA ANISIMOVA: Yeah, I love that, that she has such an incredible fan base. I've seen the atmosphere. It's amazing. I think she's also such a good representation of her country. I mean, she's so young and she carries herself so well. It's so good to see.

I caught a little bit of the beginning of her match last night. Yeah, I stuck around for it because the atmosphere was so great. I normally wouldn't. But since our hotel is right at the site, was like, Why not? It was kind of getting late. That's why I ended up leaving early.

Yeah, it was great to see. It's always fun to be a spectator and not have to have so much stress around a tennis court, just be able to sit back and relax.

Yeah, it was great to see. Good to see her get the win.