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Amanda Anisimova in Focus: Resurgent American on the Cusp of a Big Breakthrough
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

A Rising Star: Early Career and Breakthrough

Amanda Anisimova, born on August 31, 2001, in Freehold, New Jersey, first made waves in junior tennis before transitioning seamlessly into the professional circuit. Her early talent was evident when she reached the 2016 French Open girls’ final at just 14 years old. By 2017, she had won the US Open girls’ title, establishing herself as one of America’s most promising young players.

Her first major breakthrough on the WTA Tour came in 2019 when she reached the semifinals of the French Open at just 17 years old. Anisimova’s aggressive baseline game and powerful two-handed backhand helped her defeat defending champion Simona Halep in straight sets, shocking the tennis world. That same year, she claimed her maiden WTA title in Bogotá, further solidifying her reputation as a future star. By the end of 2019, she had climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 21.

Challenges and Setbacks: Mental Health and Injury Break

Despite her early success, Anisimova faced significant challenges in the years that followed. The sudden passing of her father and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, in 2019 had a profound impact on her career. While she continued to compete at a high level, injuries and mental health struggles began to take a toll.

In May 2023, Anisimova made the difficult decision to step away from professional tennis, citing mental exhaustion. At the time, she was ranked outside the Top 50 and struggling with consistency on the court. Her absence from the tour lasted for seven months, causing her ranking to plummet to No. 373.

The Comeback: 2024 Resurgence and Key Results

Anisimova returned to the WTA Tour in early 2024 with a fresh mindset and renewed focus. While her initial results were inconsistent, signs of her former brilliance began to emerge.

Her first major statement came at the Canadian Open in Toronto, a WTA 1000 event, where she reached the final, defeating top players along the way. Although she fell short in the championship match, the result marked her return to elite-level competition.

Her biggest breakthrough, however, came at the 2025 Qatar Ladies Open in Doha. Entering the tournament ranked No. 41, Anisimova delivered a dominant performance, defeating a string of top-ranked players, including Jelena Ostapenko in the final, to win her first WTA 1000 title. The victory made her the first American woman to win the Doha title since Monica Seles in 2002.

At the 2025 Miami Open, Amanda Anisimova delivered a significant performance by ending Mirra Andreeva’s impressive 13-match winning streak. In a gripping third-round encounter, Anisimova secured a three sets victory over the Russian teenager, who had recently claimed back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells.

This victory propelled Anisimova into the fourth round, where she faced Emma Raducanu. Although Anisimova was defeated 6-1 6-3, her performance against Andreeva highlighted her ability to compete with and overcome in-form opponents, reinforcing her potential for future success on the WTA Tour.

A Top 20 Return: Ranking Surge and Future Potential

Following her triumph in Doha, Anisimova catapulted 23 spots in the WTA rankings, breaking into the Top 20 for the first time since 2019 and reaching a new career-high ranking of No. 16.

With her confidence soaring, the 23-year-old American is now seen as a serious contender at Grand Slam events. Her ability to consistently compete with top players, combined with her powerful groundstrokes and tactical intelligence, positions her well for continued success.

What’s Next for Anisimova?

Looking ahead, Anisimova’s focus will be on maintaining her form and building consistency throughout the season. The upcoming clay season will be crucial in determining whether she can sustain her momentum and establish herself as a Grand Slam threat once again.

Her success in Doha, coupled with her natural talent and improved mental resilience, suggests that Amanda Anisimova is on the verge of a major breakthrough. If she continues her upward trajectory, she could soon find herself competing for major titles and leading the next generation of American tennis.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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