Amanda Anisimova: A Rising Star in Tennis
Amanda Anisimova etched her name in tennis history by becoming the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon finals since Serena Williams in 2019. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting her resilience and talent.
At just 17, Anisimova burst onto the scene during the 2019 French Open, where she reached the semifinals. That year, Ashleigh Barty claimed the title, but Anisimova's unexpected run captured global attention, establishing her as a formidable player on the world stage.
After a year-long hiatus to prioritize her mental health, Anisimova returned to Wimbledon in 2025, securing a spot in the finals against Poland’s Iga Świątek on July 12. Not only did she break a long-standing drought for American women at Wimbledon, but she also became the youngest finalist since Williams in 2004.
“It’s been an extraordinary year for me,” Anisimova expressed after her quarterfinal win. “So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way.” Her words reflect a deep appreciation for the journey, even amidst uncertainty.
Born in New Jersey, Anisimova entered Wimbledon 2025 as the No. 13 seed. She stunned fans by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, marking her best-ever performance in a Grand Slam tournament regardless of the final outcome.
The semifinal match was not without controversy. Sabalenka voiced her frustration over a pivotal moment when Anisimova’s forehand volley grazed the net before falling over. “You don’t want to say sorry?” Sabalenka remarked, highlighting the tension that can arise in high-stakes matches.
Despite the drama, Anisimova maintained her composure. “No, I wasn’t celebrating,” she clarified during a post-match press conference. “It was just like a long grunt.” Her perspective on the incident underscores her focus on performance rather than distractions.
Tragedy struck Anisimova in 2019 when her father and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, passed away from a suspected heart attack shortly after her French Open success. This loss profoundly impacted her, leading to her withdrawal from that year’s U.S. Open to grieve with family.
“It was the worst thing that ever happened to me,” she shared in a past interview. Yet, returning to tennis provided solace. “As soon as I got back to tennis, it is what made me happy,” she noted, emphasizing her father's influence on her career.
In 2022, following a quarterfinal finish at Wimbledon, Anisimova announced a break from tennis to address mental health challenges. “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022,” she revealed on social media.
During her time away from the sport, Anisimova explored her passion for art. “I picked that hobby up when I was struggling with my mental health,” she explained, finding joy and creativity outside of tennis.
In 2020, Anisimova was linked romantically to Australian soccer player Tyler Roos. The couple shared moments on social media, with Roos humorously referring to Anisimova as “Mrs. 305,” a nod to her Miami residence.
While their relationship status remains unaddressed publicly in recent years, Anisimova's journey continues to inspire many as she navigates both personal and professional challenges on her path to greatness.
