Whenever I think about players who’ve shown real grit, passion, and the ability to bounce back stronger, Amanda Anisimova is one I respect a lot. She’s more than just a raw talent—she’s someone who’s been through big highs, big lows, and is now making a statement that she belongs among the best in tennis.
Early Promise & Breakthrough
Anisimova burst onto the scene when she was very young. A few key moments that I still remember:
- In 2019 French Open, she upset Simona Halep (the defending champ then) in the quarters, announcing herself as someone dangerous in slams. ESPN+2Wikipedia+2
- Winning her first WTA title in Bogotá at age 17. Sportskeeda+3sportspundit.com+3BNP Paribas Open | Indian Wells+3
She had the skills, the shot-making, and a mentality that looked like she could go far. Her two-handed backhand is one of her biggest weapons, especially when she’s on. And she’s always been aggressive from both wings, which makes her matches exciting to watch. Wikipedia+2BNP Paribas Open | Indian Wells+2
Struggles, Break, and Return
Talent alone doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing, and Anisimova’s path shows that well:
- In 2023, she took a break from tennis to focus on her mental health and dealing with burnout. It wasn’t just one loss or one injury—she was honest about the pressure she was under. ESPN
- During that period, her ranking slipped. At one point she was outside the top tiers, and many wondered if she’d come back as strong. ESPN+1
What makes me admire her is how she returned. Not slowly forgetting that break, but building momentum again. Her 2025 has been one of her best seasons so far, considering where she was.
2025: The Year of Statement
These are the moments that prove her comeback is more than just trying – it’s succeeding:
- Qatar Open (2025): She won her first WTA 1000 title, defeating Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. That win pushed her back into the spotlight. Reuters+1
- US Open (2025): Amanda reached the final, which was a huge achievement, especially after the rough times. Wikipedia+2BNP Paribas Open | Indian Wells+2
- Also, she had that big win over Iga Świątek in the US Open quarterfinals, avenging her painful loss in the Wimbledon final earlier in the year. That showed not just skill, but mental strength. The Guardian+1
Her ranking jumped up, her wins over top players increased, and she’s looking more composed and confident.
Strengths & What Makes Her Stand Out
Here are the things I think make Amanda Anisimova special:
- Aggressive baseline game: She strikes the ball with intent. Both her forehand and backhand have improved in consistency. Wikipedia+1
- Strong return game: She neutralizes big servers and doesn’t back off from the challenge. That’s a huge asset, especially against players who rely heavily on serve. Wikipedia
- Mental toughness: Her return from burnout, her response to tough defeats (like at Wimbledon), and then turning it around at the US Open—all speak to a mindset that’s growing stronger.
What’s Ahead
If I look ahead, here’s what I think might define her next steps:
- Can she win her first Grand Slam? She’s been close, especially in 2025. That’s the big next target.
- Keeping consistency across surfaces. She’s shown she can do well on hard courts, clay, and grass. Being able to win or go deep in all types of conditions will separate her from many.
- Staying mentally healthy. We saw how much pressure can impact performance. If she manages that well, she can have longevity.
- Handling expectations. As results come, pressure builds. That’s both a chance and a risk.
Final Thoughts
Amanda Anisimova’s story is one of talent + resilience. She’s still young, and seeing what she’s gone through in recent years, the progress she’s made is inspiring. For me, she’s no longer the rising star only hyped for potential—she’s becoming a regular among elite players, someone to fear in every draw.
Tags:
Amanda Anisimova, WTA, Tennis Comeback, Qatar Open, US Open Finalist, Mental Health, Women’s Tennis