Amanda Anisimova: The Resilient Star Who Conquered the Courts Without Fear
Amanda Anisimova isn't just another rising tennis star — she's a symbol of resilience, talent, and raw determination. Born in New Jersey in 2001 to Russian parents, Amanda stepped onto the world stage as a teen prodigy, but her path wasn’t a smooth one. From upsetting legends like Simona Halep and Naomi Osaka, to walking away from the game due to mental burnout — only to come back stronger — her story is filled with dramatic highs and heartbreaking lows.
With a career-high WTA ranking of World No. 12 (as of June 2025) and three WTA titles to her name, including the prestigious Qatar Ladies Open, Anisimova is now one of the most talked-about athletes in tennis. Her fearless backhand, fierce court presence, and mental grit make her a fan favorite — and a name to watch as she climbs toward the top 10.
Let’s dive deep into Amanda Anisimova’s journey: from her early days as a junior champion to her most iconic WTA battles — and what makes her comeback in 2025 one of the most inspiring stories in sports today.
Amanda Anisimova: The Comeback Queen of Tennis
Amanda Kay Victoria Anisimova, born on August 31, 2001, in Freehold Township, New Jersey, is a name that has become synonymous with raw talent, resilience, and brilliance in American tennis. With a career-high WTA singles ranking of World No. 12 as of June 30, 2025, and three WTA Tour titles under her belt, including the prestigious WTA 1000 title at the 2025 Qatar Ladies Open, Anisimova has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Early Life and Background
Amanda was born to Russian parents, Olga and Konstantin Anisimov, who moved to the United States to provide better opportunities for their children. Amanda’s older sister, Maria, played tennis at the collegiate level for the University of Pennsylvania, inspiring Amanda to pick up the sport at the young age of five. Her family later relocated to Florida to support her tennis development. Coached primarily by her father during her early years, Amanda also trained under renowned coaches like Nick Saviano and Max Fomine.
Junior Career Highlights
Anisimova’s junior career was nothing short of extraordinary. Ranked as high as No. 2 in the ITF Junior Rankings, she made headlines by winning the 2017 US Open girls’ singles title, defeating future star Coco Gauff in the final without dropping a set. She was also a finalist at the 2016 French Open girls’ event and a member of the U.S. team that won the Junior Fed Cup in 2017.
Her breakthrough came when she won the Abierto Juvenil Mexicano at just 14, and she followed that with titles at the Copa del Cafรฉ and Copa Gerdau, announcing her arrival as a future star of the sport.
Professional Debut and Early Success (2016–2018)
Anisimova turned heads at just 14 when she won her first match in the US Open qualifying draw. By 2018, she had broken into the WTA Top 100. At the Indian Wells Open, she stunned the tennis world by defeating World No. 9 Petra Kvitovรก at just 16 years old. That same year, she reached her first WTA final at the Japan Women’s Open, finishing runner-up and breaking into the Top 100.
Breakthrough Year: 2019
The year 2019 marked Amanda’s real arrival. She won her first WTA title at the Copa Colsanitas in Colombia and followed it with a stunning semifinal run at the French Open. Along the way, she defeated World No. 11 Aryna Sabalenka and then shocked the defending champion and World No. 3, Simona Halep. She became the youngest semifinalist at Roland Garros in over a decade, pushing her ranking into the Top 30.
Personal Tragedy and Setbacks (2019–2021)
The second half of 2019 brought heartbreak as Amanda lost her father and long-time coach Konstantin suddenly. Understandably, her performance dipped, and injuries and inconsistency plagued the next couple of years. Despite occasional deep runs, including a semifinal at the 2020 Auckland Open and a title in 2022 at the Melbourne Summer Set 2, she never fully regained momentum during this period.
Return to Form and Breakout Comeback (2022–2024)
Amanda's spark returned in 2022 with major wins over Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open. She made it to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and followed it up with impressive performances throughout the clay and hardcourt seasons.
In 2023, she announced a mental health break from tennis after a series of early exits and emotional struggles. The break proved to be a turning point.
She made a stunning comeback in 2024. At the Canadian Open, she stormed into the finals as a wildcard, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Navarro along the way. Though she lost in the final, the run catapulted her back into the Top 50.
2025: The Year of Glory
In 2025, Amanda reached new heights. She won her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Ladies Open, beating Jelena Ostapenko in the final. Her performances in Charleston, the French Open, and Queen’s Club pushed her ranking into the Top 15.
At Wimbledon, she made her Grand Slam final debut, defeating top names like Gauff, Noskovรก, and Sabalenka. Though she narrowly lost in the final, her efforts earned her a career-high ranking of World No. 12.
Playing Style and Strengths
Amanda Anisimova is known for her aggressive baseline game. Her two-handed backhand is lethal, often described as one of the best on the WTA Tour. She plays with clean ball-striking, high tennis IQ, and a calm demeanor under pressure. Her ability to generate power on both wings and her effective return of serve make her a formidable opponent on any surface.
Legacy in Progress
Amanda Anisimova’s journey is far from over, but her story so far is one of brilliance, tragedy, and an unbreakable spirit. From junior prodigy to Grand Slam finalist, she has already achieved more than most athletes dream of. With her talent, mental strength, and passion reignited, the next chapter could well see her rise into the Top 10 — and perhaps even claim that elusive Grand Slam title.
Stay tuned. Amanda Anisimova is just getting started