US Open: Tagger vs Anisimova Odds, Picks & How to Stream Live
Lilli Tagger arrives with tennis’s rarest calling card: a one-handed backhand backed by fearless ambition. The 18-year-old Austrian has already won a WTA title, climbed into the top 50 and secured her first Grand Slam main-draw victory. Now comes the examination that reveals how near the future really is.
Amanda Anisimova represents the present. Last year’s US Open runner-up opened her return to New York by crushing Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-3. If Tagger wants another breakthrough, she must survive one of the cleanest and most punishing ball-strikers in women’s tennis.
Ready for the season’s final major? Use our expert tennis betting guide to compare markets before building your US Open card.
Tagger vs Anisimova Betting Odds
| Market | Reference Odds | Place Bet Now! |
|---|---|---|
| Lilli Tagger ML | +390 | Place Bet @ BetMGM |
| Amanda Anisimova ML | -500 | Place Bet @ BetMGM |
| O/U | 20.5 Games | +115 | -145 | Place Bet @ BetMGM |
Expert Picks: Lilli Tagger vs Amanda Anisimova
🥇 Best Bet: Amanda Anisimova -4.5 Games
Anisimova’s return position and early ball-striking should rush Tagger’s one-handed backhand before the teenager can build points. The American covered this number comfortably against Krueger and has beaten three strong hard-court opponents since Cincinnati began. Tagger’s serve can keep stretches competitive, but Anisimova should create enough break chances to win by five games or more.
Looking to back last year’s finalist? Check the latest BetMGM Bonus Code before placing your US Open picks.
Pick 2: Amanda Anisimova to Win 2-0
Tagger’s ceiling is real, but this is a severe step up from Korpatsch. Anisimova reached last year’s US Open final and opened this tournament by allowing four games to a dangerous American opponent. Her backhand can dictate both crosscourt and down the line, limiting Tagger’s time to use her forehand or transition toward the net.
Pick 3: Under 20.5 Total Games
A 6-3, 6-3 result is enough to beat this total, and Anisimova has the tools to finish faster. Three of her last four victories came in straight sets, including wins over Noskova and Krueger. Tagger’s first serve may earn holds, but sustained pressure on her second delivery should keep the match from reaching 21 games.
Pick 4: Anisimova -1.5 Games in the First Set
Anisimova started her opener by taking five consecutive games after a hold from Krueger. Tagger may need time to adjust to the American’s pace, particularly when Anisimova attacks the second serve and redirects through the backhand corner. An early break is enough to cover this number; two could turn the opening set into a runaway.
Anisimova Is -500—Where Is the Betting Value?
- Anisimova’s moneyline implies roughly an 83% probability of reaching the third round. That price requires bettors to risk $500 to make $100 in profit, leaving little room for an upset or retirement.
- The spread is more playable. Anisimova covered a 4.5-game spread comfortably against Krueger, winning by eight games. She also covered that number in recent straight-set wins over Linda Noskova and Zeynep Sönmez.
- The spread asks Anisimova to do more than advance, but her current level and matchup advantages support that expectation. Tagger can perform well and still lose 6-3, 6-3—a result that comfortably cashes Anisimova -4.5.
Tagger vs Anisimova Matchup Comparison
| Category | Lilli Tagger | Amanda Anisimova |
|---|---|---|
| WTA Ranking | No. 49 | No. 10 |
| Age | 18 | 25 |
| Height | 6’1” | 5’11” |
| 2026 Record | 29-17 | 20-11 |
| 2026 WTA Titles | 1 | 0 |
| Career WTA Titles | 1 | 4 |
| Best US Open Result | Second Round, 2026 | Finalist, 2025 |
Key Betting Trends
- Anisimova and Tagger have never played professionally.
- Anisimova is 20-11 during the 2026 season.
- Tagger owns a 29-17 record this year.
- Tagger has won eight of her previous ten matches.
- Anisimova has won seven of her previous ten.
- Tagger captured her first WTA singles title in Prague.
- Anisimova reached the 2025 US Open final.
- Anisimova defeated Krueger 6-1, 6-3 in 72 minutes.
- Tagger beat Korpatsch 6-0, 7-6(4) in her first Grand Slam main-draw victory.
- Anisimova reached the Cincinnati quarterfinals and pushed Jessica Pegula to a deciding-set tiebreak.
- Three of Anisimova’s last four victories came in straight sets.
- Tagger is the youngest player currently ranked inside the WTA top 50.
Where to Watch Tagger vs Anisimova in the US
- Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
- Round: Second Round/Round of 64
- Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
- Location: Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York
- TV: ESPN or ESPN2, depending on court assignment
- Streaming: ESPN App and ESPN Unlimited
- Spanish coverage: ESPN Deportes
Final Prediction: Can Tagger Shock Last Year’s Finalist?
Tagger deserves attention well beyond this tournament. Her height, one-handed backhand, forward movement and willingness to attack give her the foundation of a future major contender.
This matchup may simply have arrived too soon. Anisimova can take time away from the teenager, dominate second-serve returns and force Tagger to defend her backhand under relentless pace. If the Austrian becomes too passive, Anisimova will control the baseline. If Tagger overattacks, the unforced-error count could climb quickly.
Expect Tagger to settle after a difficult start and produce several flashes of her enormous upside. Over two sets, however, Anisimova’s return quality and superior weight of shot should create a clear scoreboard advantage.
- Prediction: Amanda Anisimova wins 6-3, 6-2
- Best Bet: Amanda Anisimova -4.5 Games
- Set Pick: Amanda Anisimova to Win 2-0
- Totals Play: Under 20.5 Games
- First-Set Pick: Amanda Anisimova -1.5 Games
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