At just 24 years old, Amanda Anisimova embodies the essence of resilience, a testament to her remarkable journey through adversity and triumph in the world of tennis. This young athlete has faced unimaginable personal tragedies and professional hurdles, yet she has consistently risen to new heights. From heart-wrenching losses to exhilarating victories, Anisimova’s story is one of grit and determination, proving that setbacks are merely setups for incredible comebacks.
Anisimova has captured the spotlight with her stunning back-to-back appearances in the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, but her path to greatness began back in 2019. It was during the Australian Open that she announced her arrival on the Grand Slam stage, reaching the fourth round and taking down the formidable Aryna Sabalenka, then ranked World No. 11. This was just the beginning; she continued to impress at the French Open, where she not only defeated Sabalenka again but also took down the legendary Simona Halep to secure a spot in the semifinals. At just 17, she made history as the first player born in the 2000s to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, and the youngest American woman to achieve such a feat since Venus Williams in 1997.
However, just as her star began to rise, tragedy struck. In a devastating turn of events, Anisimova lost her father and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, to a heart attack just a week before her 18th birthday. This sudden loss was not only a personal blow but a professional one, as Konstantin had been her guiding force throughout her tennis career. The young star withdrew from the US Open and finished the season with a mere single victory, stating, “It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. It was very tough.”
Yet, Anisimova’s bond with tennis remained strong, serving as a vital connection to her father. She made her long-awaited comeback in January 2020, saying, “As soon as I got back to tennis, it is what made me happy. And I know that’s what my dad would want me to be doing.” This determination to honor her father’s legacy fueled her return to the sport.
Fast forward to May 2023, Anisimova took to social media to reveal her struggles with mental health and burnout, deciding to step back from the sport to prioritize her well-being. “It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments,” she shared. This bold move, often seen as career suicide in the competitive world of tennis, showed her strength and self-awareness. She explained, “I felt like it was just unfair for me to keep pushing and pushing as if I’m not a human being.”
During her hiatus, Anisimova embraced new challenges. She enrolled at Nova Southeastern University, sharing glimpses of her campus life on social media, including her participation in new-student orientation. The experience was refreshing for her, as she expressed her enjoyment of the academic environment. To further her impact, she also launched an initiative selling her artwork to benefit mental health charities, showcasing her commitment to using her platform for good.
In January 2024, Anisimova made her return to competitive tennis at the Auckland Open. With a new coach, Rick Vleeshouwers, who has a history of working with top players, she quickly began to ascend the ranks once again. The results spoke for themselves, culminating in two Grand Slam finals in 2025.
Her impressive run included reaching the final of the WTA 1000 in Toronto, where she finished as runner-up to Jessica Pegula. But it was at Wimbledon that she truly made waves, battling through grueling matches, including a memorable semifinal victory over Aryna Sabalenka. However, the final was a stark contrast, as Anisimova faced Iga Świątek and suffered a shocking double bagel in just 57 minutes, a rare and crushing defeat in her first major final.
Rather than allowing that defeat to define her, Anisimova bounced back with remarkable resolve. When she encountered Świątek again at the 2025 US Open, she emerged victorious, demonstrating her growth and newfound confidence. “I think that was something I was really lacking in the Wimbledon final,” she reflected, acknowledging her evolution as a competitor.
Anisimova’s journey would take another twist as she reached the final against Aryna Sabalenka once more, but despite a valiant effort, she fell short. Nevertheless, she has firmly established herself as a rising star in American tennis, currently ranked as the second-best American woman after Coco Gauff. With her sights set on the Australian Open and a place at the year-end finals secured, the tennis world eagerly anticipates what this extraordinary athlete will achieve next.
Amanda Anisimova’s story is not just one of sport; it’s a powerful narrative of loss, recovery, and relentless ambition that resonates with fans and aspiring athletes alike. As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, her journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
