Who is Amanda Anisimova? Women's tennis star could be the 1st American to win Wimbledon since Serena Williams
Context:
Amanda Anisimova, a promising American tennis player, has created a buzz by reaching the Wimbledon final, aiming to become the first American winner since Serena Williams in 2016. She stunned the tennis community by defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a challenging three-set match. Born in New Jersey to Russian immigrant parents, Anisimova was introduced to tennis by her father, who also coached her until his sudden death in 2019. Her early career was marked by impressive achievements, including reaching the Roland Garros girls' final at 14 and winning the U.S. Open junior title. After a mental health break in 2023, she returned to the court in 2024 and recently captured her first WTA 1000 title at the 2025 Qatar Open, leading to her current success at Wimbledon.
Dive Deeper:
Amanda Anisimova surprised the tennis world by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, the world No.1, in a tense three-set match to secure her place in the Wimbledon final, marking her as a potential first American winner since Serena Williams in 2016.
Anisimova's journey into tennis began in New Jersey, where her father, an immigrant from Russia, introduced her to the sport at the age of five, eventually coaching her until his untimely death in 2019, a tragedy that led her to withdraw from the U.S. Open that year.
Her early tennis career was notable for reaching the Roland Garros girls' final at age 14 and achieving a career-high ITF ranking of No. 2, followed by a victory in the 2017 U.S. Open junior title without dropping a set.
Anisimova's professional career saw her first WTA match win at Indian Wells in 2018, and her maiden WTA title came at the Claro Open Colsanitas in 2019, with a notable semifinal appearance at the 2019 French Open after defeating top players.
In 2023, citing mental health struggles and burnout, Anisimova took an eight-month break from tennis, returning in 2024 with renewed vigor, culminating in her winning the 2025 Qatar Open, her first WTA 1000 title, a significant achievement in her comeback.
Her remarkable performance at Wimbledon, described as 'indescribable' by Anisimova herself, reflects a year-long journey of recovery and resurgence, positioning her as a formidable contender in the tennis world.
Anisimova's participation in the Wimbledon final against Iga Swiatek is a testament to her resilience and determination, offering her another chance to compete on the prestigious Centre Court at the All England Club.