diff --git a/hw/net/xilinx_axienet.c b/hw/net/xilinx_axienet.c
index 704788811a..0f97510d8a 100644
--- a/hw/net/xilinx_axienet.c
+++ b/hw/net/xilinx_axienet.c
@@ -149,8 +149,8 @@ tdk_write(struct PHY *phy, unsigned int req, unsigned int data)
             break;
     }
 
-    /* Unconditionally clear regs[BMCR][BMCR_RESET] */
-    phy->regs[0] &= ~0x8000;
+    /* Unconditionally clear regs[BMCR][BMCR_RESET] and auto-neg */
+    phy->regs[0] &= ~0x8200;
 }
 
 static void