Amanda Anisimova: A Rising Star in American Women’s Tennis
Amanda Anisimova, a promising talent in American women’s tennis, is making waves in an era defined by notable competitors like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Currently ranked No. 12 by the WTA as of July 9, 2025, Anisimova’s journey has been marked by resilience and significant personal challenges.
After stepping away from the sport in 2023 to address her mental health, she successfully returned to competitive tennis in 2024 at just 22 years old. With three singles titles to her name, she is now preparing for a pivotal showdown in the Wimbledon semifinals against the world’s top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka. Even if she falls short in this match, Anisimova has already matched her career-best performance in a major tournament.
Background and Early Life
Born in New Jersey, Anisimova has Russian heritage, with her parents and older sister sharing a background linked to the country. Her sister, Maria, who is 14 years her senior, has a history in collegiate tennis but opted not to pursue it professionally after sustaining injuries. Maria was a notable player at the University of Pennsylvania, where she achieved a milestone by reaching the NCAA Championships with her doubles partner.
The family moved to the United States in 1998, when Olga Anisimova, Amanda’s mother, emigrated from Russia with her husband, Konstantin. After moving, Olga would go on to establish a tennis camp to foster Amanda’s skills from a young age. Amanda took to tennis extraordinarily early, beginning at just two years old, and her nurturing environment allowed her to bypass traditional schooling in favor of being homeschooled while engaging with peers at the camp.
Family Influence and Personal Struggles
Konstantin, who had a finance background, played a crucial role in Amanda’s early tennis training before she transitioned to coaching outside the family. He remained a vital source of support throughout her burgeoning career, recognizing the pressures she faced in the sports world. Tragically, Konstantin passed away from a heart attack in August 2019, shortly before Amanda’s 18th birthday, prompting her to withdraw from that year’s U.S. Open as she coped with the profound loss.
Anisimova’s family background and personal struggles add depth to her story as she continues to carve her path in professional tennis, embodying the spirit and tenacity characteristic of the rising American talent in the sport.
