Amanda Anisimova has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis, showcasing incredible skill, power, and maturity on the court. At just 23 years old, she has already left an indelible mark on the sport, with her impressive performances in Grand Slam tournaments and on the WTA Tour. Known for her aggressive baseline game, strong serve, and mental toughness, Anisimova is widely regarded as one of the future stars of tennis.
In this comprehensive article, we will take a closer look at Amanda Anisimova’s life, her rise in the world of tennis, her playing style, her career milestones, and what the future holds for this talented young athlete.
Early Life and Background
Amanda Anisimova was born on August 31, 2001, in Freehold Township, New Jersey, to Russian-born parents who had immigrated to the United States in the 1990s. Tennis has been an integral part of Anisimova’s life since childhood, largely thanks to her father, Konstantin, who introduced her to the sport at an early age. Her mother, Olga, has also been supportive of her tennis career, making the family deeply invested in Amanda’s development as a professional athlete.
Anisimova’s older sister, Maria, also played tennis competitively at a young age and had a strong influence on Amanda’s early interest in the sport. However, it was clear from a young age that Amanda had exceptional talent, and her parents focused on nurturing her skills.
At the age of three, Anisimova moved with her family to Florida, a state known for its tennis academies and warm weather conducive to year-round training. Her development was overseen by her father and various coaches at prominent tennis academies in the state. By the time she was 12 years old, Anisimova had begun competing in junior tournaments and was already showing signs of greatness.
Junior Career Success
Amanda Anisimova’s junior career was filled with remarkable achievements, signaling her potential to become a force in women’s tennis. She quickly rose through the ranks of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuit and made a name for herself as one of the best young players in the world.
In 2016, at the age of 14, Anisimova reached the final of the French Open girls’ singles tournament, one of the most prestigious junior events. Although she lost in the final, her performance put her on the map and garnered attention from tennis enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Her biggest junior victory came in 2017, when she won the US Open girls’ singles title, defeating fellow American Coco Gauff in the final. This win not only earned her widespread recognition but also propelled her to the No. 2 spot in the ITF junior rankings. It was clear that Anisimova was ready to transition to the professional ranks and take on the world’s best players.
Turning Pro: Early Breakthroughs
Amanda Anisimova officially turned professional in 2016, and by 2017, she was competing in WTA events, a significant leap for a player still in her teens. In 2018, she made her Grand Slam debut at the French Open, where she reached the second round. Her early performances showed maturity and poise beyond her years, as she demonstrated the ability to go toe-to-toe with established players.
The following year, in 2019, Anisimova had her major breakthrough. She began the year by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open, defeating world-class players such as Aryna Sabalenka along the way. However, it was at the 2019 French Open that Anisimova made history.
2019 French Open: A Star is Born
Amanda Anisimova’s run at the 2019 French Open will go down as one of the most impressive performances by a teenager in recent tennis history. At just 17 years old, she became the youngest American to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros since Jennifer Capriati in 1990. Her aggressive baseline play, powerful groundstrokes, and composure in key moments made her a formidable opponent on the red clay of Paris.
Anisimova’s most significant victory at the tournament came in the quarterfinals, where she defeated the defending champion, Simona Halep, in straight sets. Halep, known for her clay-court prowess and tenacity, was outplayed by Anisimova’s relentless attacking style. The upset sent shockwaves through the tennis world and solidified Anisimova’s status as one of the game’s rising stars.
Although her run ended in the semifinals with a loss to eventual champion Ashleigh Barty, Anisimova’s performance was widely praised. She left Roland Garros as one of the most talked-about young players on the tour, with expectations for her future soaring.
Playing Style and Strengths
Amanda Anisimova’s playing style is characterized by power, precision, and aggression. She is primarily a baseliner, relying on her heavy groundstrokes to dictate points and put pressure on her opponents. Her forehand is her most dangerous weapon, capable of producing winners from almost anywhere on the court. She also possesses a strong two-handed backhand, which she uses to create sharp angles and keep her opponents off balance.
Anisimova’s serve is another key element of her game. Standing at 5’11” (180 cm), she has the height and strength to generate significant power on her first serve, often earning free points with aces or forcing weak returns. Her second serve, while still a work in progress, has improved over time, allowing her to remain competitive even when her first serve percentage dips.
One of Anisimova’s greatest strengths is her mental toughness. Despite her young age, she has shown remarkable composure in high-pressure situations, particularly in Grand Slam tournaments. Her ability to stay calm and focused, even when facing top-ranked opponents, has been a hallmark of her success.
However, like many young players, Anisimova continues to work on aspects of her game, including her movement and defensive play. While she excels when dictating points from the baseline, she has been working on improving her court coverage and transitioning to the net when necessary. As her game becomes more well-rounded, she is expected to be a consistent threat at the highest levels of the sport.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
In 2019, just a few months after her incredible run at the French Open, Amanda Anisimova faced an unimaginable tragedy. Her father and longtime coach, Konstantin Anisimova, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. His death was a devastating blow to Amanda, who had always credited her father with being the driving force behind her tennis career.
In the wake of her father’s passing, Anisimova withdrew from the 2019 US Open and took time away from the sport to grieve and regroup. The loss of her father was a profoundly emotional challenge, but Amanda showed immense resilience in returning to the tour in 2020.
While her results in 2020 were inconsistent, largely due to the emotional toll of her father’s death and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Anisimova’s determination to continue her career was evident. She worked with new coaches and support teams to adjust to life on the tour without her father, and her ability to overcome such personal adversity only added to her reputation as a mentally tough competitor.
Return to Form: 2021 and Beyond
Amanda Anisimova began to regain her form in 2021, with several notable performances that reminded the tennis world of her immense potential. She reached the semifinals of the Melbourne Summer Set 2, a warm-up event before the Australian Open, and had strong showings in other tournaments throughout the year.
However, like many athletes, Anisimova’s season was interrupted by the ongoing pandemic and various injuries that limited her ability to maintain consistency. Despite these setbacks, she continued to work on her game and develop her skills, determined to reestablish herself as one of the top players on the WTA Tour.
In 2022, Anisimova made headlines once again with a series of strong performances. She reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, defeating Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic along the way. Later in the year, she reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, marking her best performance at the prestigious grass-court event. Her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play proved effective on the faster grass courts, and she demonstrated that she could be a contender on all surfaces.
Anisimova’s progress in 2022 was a sign that she was back on track and ready to compete at the highest levels of the sport once more. Her ability to bounce back from personal and professional challenges has endeared her to fans and earned her respect from her peers.
Career Achievements and Milestones
- 2017: US Open girls’ singles champion
- 2018: Reached second round at French Open (Grand Slam debut)
- 2019: Reached semifinals of French Open, defeating defending champion Simona Halep
- 2020: Returned to the tour following personal tragedy, continuing to compete at a high level
- 2022: Reached quarterfinals at Wimbledon, fourth round at Australian Open
Future Prospects
Amanda Anisimova’s career trajectory suggests that she has the potential to become one of the top players in women’s tennis. With her powerful baseline game, strong serve, and mental toughness, she has the tools to compete with the best in the world. At just 23 years old, she is still in the early stages of her career, and her best years are likely still ahead of her.
As Anisimova continues to refine her game and gain more experience, she will likely be a consistent presence in the later stages of Grand Slam tournaments. Her ability to compete on all
surfaces—hard, clay, and grass—makes her a versatile player capable of success at any Grand Slam event. In fact, her strong performances at the French Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon indicate that she could contend for titles across the tennis calendar.
Areas of Improvement
While Amanda Anisimova has many strengths, there are still areas of her game that she is working to improve. One key area is her movement and agility on the court. Although her aggressive baseline game allows her to dictate points, improving her lateral movement and defensive skills would help her counter opponents who can move her around the court. Enhancing her court coverage would make her a more well-rounded player, especially against those who rely on strong defense and counterpunching.
Another area for development is her mental game, particularly during tight matches. While she has shown impressive composure in many high-stakes situations, there have been instances where nerves or pressure have affected her performance. Continued experience in pressure-packed environments, combined with mental toughness training, will help Anisimova maintain her focus in critical moments.
Finally, Anisimova’s second serve is still a work in progress. As she improves this aspect of her game, she’ll reduce the number of double faults and become less vulnerable to aggressive returners.
Off-Court Life and Personality
Off the court, Amanda Anisimova is known for her approachable personality and positive attitude. Despite the challenges she has faced, both personally and professionally, she remains grounded and dedicated to her craft. Anisimova has a close relationship with her family, and her sister Maria often provides her with support at tournaments. Her connection with her family continues to play a significant role in her career, especially following the loss of her father.
Anisimova is active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her life, training routines, and behind-the-scenes moments from tournaments. She is also admired for her fashion sense and collaborations with brands, which reflect her growing status as a rising star in the sport. As her career progresses, Anisimova is likely to continue building her personal brand, both within and beyond the world of tennis.
The Road Ahead: What Lies in Store for Amanda Anisimova
Looking forward, Amanda Anisimova’s future in tennis is filled with promise. Given her young age, physical attributes, and strong foundation in the sport, she is well-positioned to compete at the top level for many years to come. As she continues to gain experience and improve her game, the tennis world will be watching to see how far she can go.
Anisimova has the potential to win multiple Grand Slam titles, especially as she hones her skills on all surfaces. Her powerful baseline game is well-suited for hard courts, but her success on clay and grass suggests that she can adapt her style to different conditions. If she continues to develop her movement and mental toughness, Anisimova could very well become a dominant player on the tour.
Additionally, as the WTA continues to evolve with new talent emerging every year, Anisimova will be part of a new generation of players poised to challenge the established stars like Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Naomi Osaka. Her ability to compete at the highest level against both seasoned veterans and rising stars will be a key factor in her continued success.