Why Anisimova Reunited With Her Coach After Brief Split

She arrived at the National Bank Open in Toronto following third-round exits at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. This second half of the season is pivotal for the American, who will be defending 2300 points at the US Open and China Open alone. 

But after a 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 second-round win over rising Czech Nikola Bartunkova Thursday night, Anisimova told reporters she isn’t too worried about maintaining her ranking.

"I'm past that point with the points and everything," she said. "I'm just trying to find my game and find myself on the court. I feel like it's been a really long year. I'm trying to find my enjoyment as well. I was kind of missing that for the last few months."

Anisimova’s coach, Hendrik Vleeshouwers, was also missing in recent months. Anisimova and Vleeshouwers began working together in 2024 as the American returned to the tour following a mental health hiatus. 

Vleeshouwers was named the 2025 WTA Coach of the Year. But the pair split in March, and the Dutch coach briefly worked with Frenchwoman Lois Boisson. Anisimova reunited with Vleeshouwers after Wimbledon, hoping to reignite the success they enjoyed in 2025. 

Anisimova seeks her second top-10 win of the season when she takes on Elina Svitolina in the round of 16 on Saturday, August 8. But the 2024 finalist isn't placing too much stock in how things play out in Toronto.

"No pressure, expectations. I think the most important thing is just having fun and just trying to find my game again."

The 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers runs through August 16.