Impactful Relationship at Wimbledon
LONDON — At the All England Club, Amanda Anisimova reflected on an impactful relationship that has been pivotal to her success as she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the first time in three years. This turning point in her career comes after newly appointing Shadi Soleymani as her physiotherapist earlier this year. Anisimova credited Soleymani as a vital member of her support system, stating,
“She’s been a huge addition to my team.”
Shadi Soleymani’s Role
Soleymani, with a rich background in sports and health, having spent her childhood in Sweden and attending university in Canada and the U.S. where she also played college tennis, has taken on multiple roles beyond traditional physiotherapy. She not only assists with physical readiness for matches but also offers expertise in nutrition, sleep, and mental support.
“I’m on her like a mom,”
said Soleymani, emphasizing her closeness with Anisimova amidst a predominantly male team structure.
Overcoming Setbacks
At just 17, Anisimova once reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam but faced significant setbacks in her career following the loss of her father and coach. Now 21, her ranking plummeted below 200, and she was unable to qualify for Wimbledon just a year prior, which further fueled her drive to reclaim her position in the sport.
The young athlete, once heralded for her powerful backhand and aggressive playing style, struggled with injuries and burnout over the past years, which limited her training. After taking a break from the tour for most of 2023, Anisimova returned but continued to battle recurring injuries. Enter Soleymani, who previously honed her skills working with player Zheng Qinwen, whose transformation to a Grand Slam finalist reflects Soleymani’s capabilities.
Personalized Regimen and Holistic Approach
When Soleymani assessed Anisimova’s injuries, she discovered that the player was caught in a detrimental cycle where her pain kept her from training effectively, which in turn led to further complications. Soleymani introduced a personalized regimen focusing on strength and flexibility, addressing the weaknesses and scar tissue in Anisimova’s body that were contributing to her pain. This included dietary changes, such as increasing her intake of nutritious foods and making hydration a priority over caffeine consumption, particularly before bed, which significantly improved Anisimova’s sleep patterns.
In working closely with the rest of Anisimova’s coaching team, Soleymani plays a crucial role not only as a therapist but as the orchestrator of a holistic approach to Anisimova’s daily training and health, adapting plans as necessary to align with her physical condition and menstrual cycle.
Significant Improvements
Gradually, Anisimova has increased her practice capacity from 50 minutes to nearly three hours, showing significant improvements in both her physical fitness and her mental outlook on the game.
“The stronger you are, the less injury-prone you get,”
Soleymani noted, illustrating the connection between strength and performance confidence.
Renewed Determination
Having transitioned from merely talented to an athlete dedicated to the rigorous demands of professional tennis, Anisimova’s renewed determination is crystal clear as she approaches challenges. After advancing to the finals at Queen’s, she faced the challenge of whether to compete in Berlin before Wimbledon. With reassurance from Soleymani, she opted for the additional matches, confident in her preparedness.
As Anisimova enters the latter stages of Wimbledon, her journey illustrates not just the trials of a gifted athlete but the profound impact of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability in the quest to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
