Who is Amanda Anisimova: Tennis Star and Mental Health Advocate
Amanda Anisimova is a 23-year-old American tennis player who has captured attention not just for her powerful game, but for her brave journey through mental health challenges and triumphant return to the sport’s biggest stages.
Quick Facts about Amanda Anisimova:
- Age: 23 years old (born August 31, 2001)
- Current WTA Ranking: No. 41 (career-high No. 7 after 2025 Wimbledon final)
- Career Titles: 2 WTA singles titles, including 1 WTA 1000 title
- Major Achievement: 2025 Wimbledon finalist, 2019 French Open semifinalist
- Notable: First player born in 2000s to reach a Grand Slam semifinal
- Career Prize Money: 5,328,739 USD
- Playing Style: Aggressive baseliner with powerful groundstrokes
Born in Freehold, New Jersey, to Russian immigrant parents, Anisimova moved to Florida at age 3 to pursue better tennis opportunities. She turned professional in 2016 and quickly made her mark by becoming the youngest American to win a WTA title since Serena Williams.
But Anisimova’s story goes beyond tennis rankings and trophies. After reaching a career-high ranking of No. 21 in 2019, she faced personal tragedy with her father’s death and mounting mental health struggles. In May 2023, she made the courageous decision to take an indefinite break from tennis, citing burnout and the need to prioritize her well-being.
During her eight-month hiatus, Anisimova finded painting as a therapeutic outlet and launched her “Art for hope” project to raise funds for mental health charities. Her return to tennis in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open and a stunning run to the 2025 Wimbledon final.
“If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same” – this quote, which Anisimova carries with her, perfectly captures her approach to both tennis and life.
Essential amanda anisimova terms:
The Making of a Tennis Prodigy
The story of Amanda Anisimova begins in the small town of Freehold, New Jersey, where she was born on August 31, 2001. Her parents, Konstantin and Olga, had immigrated from Russia with big dreams for their family’s future in America. Like many immigrant families, they were determined to give their daughters every opportunity to succeed.
Tennis was not initially on the radar for young Amanda. It was actually her older sister Maria who first picked up a racket and fell in love with the sport. But as any younger sibling would do, Amanda tagged along to Maria’s practices, watching intently from the sidelines. Soon enough, she was begging to try it herself.
When Amanda was just three years old, the Anisimova family made a pivotal decision that would shape her entire future. They packed up their lives in New Jersey and moved to Florida, the tennis capital of America. This was not just a casual relocation – it was a strategic move to give both daughters access to world-class coaching and year-round training opportunities.
Konstantin Anisimova took on the role of Amanda’s primary coach during her formative years. His influence on her development cannot be overstated – he was there for every practice, every match, every breakthrough moment. The family influence created a supportive environment where Amanda could flourish.
By the time Amanda reached her teenage years, she was already making waves in junior tennis. Her junior career success was nothing short of spectacular. She climbed to a career-high junior world ranking of No. 2 in 2016, proving she could compete with the best young players from around the globe.
The crowning achievement of her junior career came in 2017 when she captured the US Open girls’ title without dropping a single set. That dominant performance announced her arrival on the tennis scene in the most emphatic way possible. She had also reached the final at the 2016 Roland Garros juniors, showing her versatility across different surfaces. For more detailed insights into her junior achievements, you can explore More on her junior career from the ITF.
Playing Style and Strengths
When Amanda Anisimova steps onto a tennis court, she brings pure power and intensity. She is what coaches call an aggressive baseliner – someone who loves to take control of points from the back of the court with devastating groundstrokes.
Her powerful groundstrokes are her biggest weapons. Both her forehand and two-handed backhand can generate incredible pace and depth, often catching opponents off guard. She does not just hit hard though – her shots are precise and well-placed, making her dangerous from any position on the court.
What makes Amanda even more formidable is her exceptional footwork and speed around the court. She can track down seemingly impossible shots and quickly reset for her next attack. This combination of power and mobility makes her a nightmare matchup for many players.
Her return of serve is another standout aspect of her game. She has a knack for neutralizing even the biggest serves and immediately putting pressure back on her opponents. It is this ability to turn defense into offense that sets her apart from many other players.
Perhaps most interesting is Amanda’s on-court mentality. She once described her mindset during matches as similar to rap music – “pretty serious” and “a bit aggressive.” This fearless, no-nonsense approach perfectly captures how she approaches every point with determination and focus.
All these elements combine to create a playing style that is both exciting to watch and incredibly effective against the world’s best players. Amanda Anisimova does not just compete – she dominates when she’s at her best.
Amanda Anisimova: Career Milestones and Rankings
When Amanda Anisimova officially turned professional in 2016, she started on what would become one of the most compelling journeys in modern tennis. Her path through the demanding WTA Tour has been anything but ordinary, featuring breathtaking highs, heartbreaking setbacks, and ultimately, a triumphant return that has captivated fans worldwide.
Grand Slam Breakthroughs and WTA Titles
Amanda Anisimova’s breakthrough moment came in 2019 when she captured her first WTA title at the Bogota tournament. But it was her stunning run at the French Open that same year that truly announced her arrival on the world stage. At just 17 years old, she became the first player born in the 2000s to reach a Grand Slam semifinal – a historic achievement that sent shockwaves through the tennis world.
The defining moment of that French Open run came in the quarterfinals when she faced defending champion Simona Halep. In a match that showcased her fearless approach and powerful groundstrokes, Amanda Anisimova upset the world No. 3 in straight sets, proving she belonged among tennis’s elite.
Her Grand Slam success continued at Wimbledon 2022, where she reached the quarterfinals and showed her adaptability on grass courts. This versatility across different surfaces became a hallmark of her game, demonstrating that her talent was not limited to any single playing condition.
The 2022 season brought another milestone when Amanda Anisimova claimed the Melbourne Summer Set title, further cementing her status as a consistent winner on tour. But perhaps her most significant achievement came in February 2025 with her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Total Energies Open. This victory was particularly sweet as she dominated the field, dropping only one set throughout the entire tournament.
The pinnacle of her remarkable 2025 season arrived at Wimbledon, where Amanda Anisimova made a stunning run to the final. She became the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2019 to reach the prestigious Wimbledon final. Though she ultimately fell to Iga Swiatek in the final, losing 6-0, 6-0, her journey to that stage represented something far more valuable than any trophy could – a testament to her incredible resilience and determination.
Throughout her career, Amanda Anisimova has collected impressive victories over top-ranked opponents including Petra Kvitova, Aryna Sabalenka, and Naomi Osaka, proving time and again that she can rise to the occasion against the world’s best players.
A Look at Amanda Anisimova’s Ranking History
The story of Amanda Anisimova’s ranking tells a tale of triumph, struggle, and ultimately, redemption. Her career-high ranking of No. 21, achieved on October 21, 2019, came during her breakthrough season and placed her firmly among the world’s elite players. It felt like the beginning of a meteoric rise to the top.
However, life had other plans. Following her father’s death and mounting mental health struggles, Amanda Anisimova made the brave decision to take an indefinite break from tennis in May 2023. When she returned to competition in January 2024, she found herself ranked No. 373 – a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in professional tennis.
But here’s where her story becomes truly inspiring. With the same determination that had carried her to Grand Slam semifinals, Amanda Anisimova began the long climb back up the rankings. Within eight months of her return, she had fought her way back into the top 50, proving that her talent had not diminished during her time away.
Her phenomenal 2025 Wimbledon final appearance propelled her to a new career-high ranking of No. 7, marking her first entry into the top 10. This achievement was particularly meaningful given everything she had overcome to reach that point. As of February 10, 2025, her current WTA Singles Ranking stands at No. 41, reflecting her consistent presence in major tournaments and her ongoing journey back to the summit of women’s tennis.
For those interested in tracking her continued progress and detailed statistics, you can follow her journey through the Official WTA Player Stats and Rankings.
The Journey of Resilience: Mental Health and a Triumphant Return
Behind every athlete’s success story lies a deeper truth about the human experience. For Amanda Anisimova, that truth became painfully clear during what should have been the peak years of her career.
The pressures of professional tennis can be overwhelming. The constant travel, media scrutiny, and relentless pursuit of perfection create a perfect storm for mental health challenges. For Amanda Anisimova, these pressures became magnified by profound personal loss.
In 2019, just as her career was reaching new heights with her French Open semifinal run, tragedy struck. Her father Konstantin, who had been her primary coach and biggest supporter, passed away unexpectedly at age 52. The loss was devastating. Imagine losing not just a parent, but also your mentor and the person who had guided your dreams from childhood.
Amanda Anisimova continued competing, but grief does not follow a tournament schedule. The emotional weight of her father’s death, combined with the demanding nature of professional tennis, began taking its toll. She later revealed that burnout had been building since the summer of 2022, creating a mental health crisis that would change her life forever.
In May 2023, after a first-round defeat at the Madrid Open, Amanda Anisimova made one of the bravest decisions of her career. She announced an indefinite break from tennis, openly stating that it had become “unbearable” to be at tournaments. This was not just about losing matches – it was about losing herself.
Her decision sent ripples through the tennis world. Here was a young woman choosing her well-being over rankings and prize money. It was a powerful reminder that even elite athletes are human beings who need time to heal. For more insights on how our inner state affects our outer glow, explore More on the connection between beauty and mental health.
During her eight-month hiatus, Amanda Anisimova finded something beautiful. She returned to painting, a childhood passion that had been forgotten in the whirlwind of professional tennis. Art became her therapy, allowing her to express emotions that words could not capture.
She launched her “Art for hope” project, using her paintings to raise funds for mental health charities. Through brushstrokes and colors, she found a way to heal while helping others facing similar struggles. “It was just nice to take a break from the chaotic lifestyle of a tennis player and reset as a human,” she shared. “I gained a lot of energy back in myself and happiness.”
This was not just a break – it was a complete life reset. She slowed down, reconnected with family, and remembered what it felt like to simply be Amanda, not just the tennis player.
The 2025 Comeback: A New Peak for Amanda Anisimova
When Amanda Anisimova returned to tennis in 2024, she was ranked No. 373 in the world. Many wondered if she could ever reclaim her former glory. The answer came in spectacular fashion during the 2025 season.
Her comeback story reached its crescendo at Wimbledon 2025. Making her way through a challenging draw, she displayed not just her powerful game but also a newfound mental strength. Reaching the final was a triumph that went far beyond tennis rankings.
The final against Iga Swiatek did not go her way – a tough 6-0, 6-0 loss that could have been devastating. But Amanda Anisimova had learned to accept a different philosophy. She carries with her the quote: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same.” Her graceful response to defeat showed just how much she had grown.
Instead of dwelling on the loss, she celebrated the journey. Social media posts showed her enjoying simple pleasures – feeling sand between her toes, spending time with family, and appreciating life’s small moments. The tennis community rallied around her, with messages of support from fellow players like Coco Gauff and legends such as Billie Jean King.
Her climb back to a career-high ranking of No. 7 after Wimbledon was remarkable, but more importantly, she had found balance. Amanda Anisimova now approaches tennis with a fresh perspective that prioritizes happiness and well-being alongside competitive success.
Her future aspirations remain ambitious, but they are now grounded in a deeper understanding of what truly matters. She wants to continue competing at the highest level while maintaining the mental health foundation that made her comeback possible. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes stepping back is the only way to move forward.
Life Beyond the Baseline: Hobbies and Passions
When Amanda Anisimova steps off the tennis court, she transforms into an artist, dreamer, and advocate for mental wellness. Her life beyond tennis reveals a multifaceted young woman who has finded that true fulfillment comes from nurturing all aspects of herself.
During her mental health break in 2023, Amanda Anisimova refinded her childhood love of painting. What started as a simple way to pass time quickly became a lifeline. Drawing inspiration from masters like Vincent van Gogh, she found that painting offered something tennis could not: a quiet space to process emotions and express herself without pressure or competition.
“It was definitely something that I really enjoyed off the court, for a few hours to reset my mind and put something creative into the world,” she shared. This therapeutic outlet became so meaningful that she launched her “Art for hope” project, displaying and selling her paintings to raise funds for mental health and social cause charities. It is beautiful to see how her personal healing journey became a way to help others facing similar struggles.
But art is just one facet of Amanda Anisimova’s rich life outside tennis. She is a music lover who listens to Lil Wayne before matches and playfully describes her aggressive tennis style as similar to rap music. Running helps her stay fit while clearing her mind, and she enjoys the thrill of jet skiing and peaceful moments at the beach – activities that offer a refreshing contrast to the intensity of professional tennis.
Her intellectual curiosity shines through her love of reading and writing. She enjoys exploring new cities during her travels, always eager to broaden her horizons beyond the tennis bubble. And let us not forget her adorable companion, Miley, her beloved dog who brings joy to her daily life.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Amanda Anisimova harbors dreams of becoming a surgeon. Her passion for medicine runs so deep that she has expressed interest in pursuing online college courses while still competing, with plans to attend medical school after her tennis career ends. This long-term vision shows her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the world beyond sports.
Her approach to balancing these diverse interests reflects a mature understanding that wellness comes from nurturing every part of ourselves: physical, mental, creative, and intellectual. For more insights on how celebrities find their balance, check out Explore celebrity wellness routines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amanda Anisimova
We love sharing insights about Amanda Anisimova, and we know you have questions about this inspiring tennis star! Here are the most common things people want to know about her remarkable journey.
What are Amanda Anisimova’s biggest career achievements?
Amanda Anisimova has accomplished some truly incredible things during her career, and we are excited to share them with you! Her most impressive achievement came in 2025 when she reached the Wimbledon final, becoming the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2019 to make it that far at the prestigious tournament.
She has also captured 2 WTA Tour titles throughout her career, with her breakthrough victory coming at the 2019 Bogota event and another at the 2022 Melbourne Summer Set. But perhaps even more exciting was her 2025 Qatar Open WTA 1000 title – her first at this elite level, which represents a major step up in competition.
One of her most historic moments happened at just 17 years old when she reached the 2019 French Open semifinal. This made her the first player born in the 2000s to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, and she got there by famously upsetting defending champion Simona Halep. Talk about making a statement!
She also proved her versatility by reaching the 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinals, showing she can compete on different surfaces. What makes all this even more special is that she became the youngest American to win a WTA title since Serena Williams in 1999, highlighting just how exceptional her early promise was.
Why did Amanda Anisimova take a break from tennis?
Amanda Anisimova made one of the most courageous decisions we have seen in professional sports when she took an eight-month break from tennis, starting in May 2023 and returning in January 2024. Her reason was both honest and inspiring – she cited burnout and the need to prioritize her mental health.
She was incredibly open about her struggles, sharing that it had become “unbearable” to be at tournaments. This was not just about losing matches – it was about the immense emotional and mental toll that professional tennis had taken on her, especially after dealing with personal tragedy and the relentless pressure of the tour.
This brave decision allowed her to step back, heal, and reconnect with herself as a person, not just as an athlete. During this time, she found solace in painting and other creative outlets that helped her reset. Her choice to prioritize mental wellness over rankings and prize money sent a powerful message about the importance of self-care in professional sports.
What is Amanda Anisimova’s current ranking?
Amanda Anisimova’s ranking journey has been quite the rollercoaster! Her current WTA Singles Ranking is No. 41 as of February 10, 2025, but this number tells only part of an amazing comeback story.
Her career-high ranking reached No. 7 after her stunning performance at the 2025 Wimbledon final – a remarkable achievement that placed her firmly in the top 10. What makes this even more impressive is where she started her comeback journey.
When she returned to tennis in 2024 after her mental health break, she was ranked No. 373 in the world. But in true Amanda Anisimova fashion, she did not let that discourage her. She worked her way back into the top 50 within just eight months, proving that her talent and determination were still very much intact.
Her ranking has definitely experienced significant ups and downs throughout her career, but these fluctuations reflect her human journey – the challenges she has faced, the courage she has shown, and the incredible resilience that brought her back stronger than ever.
Conclusion
Amanda Anisimova’s journey reads like a masterclass in resilience, showing us that true strength comes from knowing when to step back and prioritize your well-being. From her early days as a tennis prodigy in New Jersey to her heartbreaking loss at Wimbledon 2025, she has consistently demonstrated that talent alone is not enough – it is the courage to face your struggles head-on that creates lasting success.
What makes her story so compelling is not just the impressive resume of WTA titles and Grand Slam breakthroughs. It is the raw honesty with which she approached her mental health struggles, the eight-month break that many questioned, and her triumphant return that silenced all doubts. She showed us that taking time to heal is not giving up – it is preparing to come back stronger.
Her exploration of art during her hiatus perfectly illustrates something we deeply believe at Beyond Beauty Lab: wellness is not one-dimensional. Amanda Anisimova found therapeutic value in painting, launched her “Art for hope” project, and finded that creativity could be just as healing as any traditional treatment. This holistic approach to well-being – nurturing both body and mind – aligns beautifully with our mission to help people find balance in all aspects of their lives.
As a mental wellness advocate, she has sparked important conversations about burnout, grief, and the pressure athletes face. Her willingness to be vulnerable has inspired countless others to prioritize their mental health, proving that true beauty radiates from within when we take care of ourselves completely.
Looking ahead, Amanda Anisimova continues to inspire us not just with her powerful groundstrokes and competitive spirit, but with her commitment to living authentically. Whether she is pursuing her dreams of becoming a surgeon or simply enjoying time with her dog Miley at the beach, she reminds us that a fulfilling life encompasses so much more than professional achievements.
Her story encourages all of us to accept our own journeys – the setbacks, the comebacks, and everything in between. At Beyond Beauty Lab, we celebrate stories like hers because they remind us that wellness is a continuous journey, not a destination.
For those inspired to start their own path toward holistic well-being, we invite you to explore Find the ultimate guide to wellness and well-being.
