Amanda Anisimova has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in tennis during 2025, capturing headlines with her remarkable resurgence and historic achievements. The 23-year-old American has transformed from a player battling mental health challenges to becoming a genuine Grand Slam contender, reaching her first-ever Wimbledon semifinal and securing her place in the top 10 rankings for the first time in her career.
Historic Wimbledon Semifinal Achievement
Amanda Anisimova made tennis history at Wimbledon 2025 by becoming the youngest American to reach the semifinals since Serena Williams in 2004. The 13th-seeded American defeated Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6(9) in a dramatic quarterfinal match that showcased both her resilience and tactical brilliance. The victory marked her second career Grand Slam semifinal appearance, six years after her breakthrough run at the 2019 French Open.
The path to the semifinals demonstrated Amanda Anisimova’s exceptional grass-court form throughout the tournament. She began with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over Yulia Putintseva, followed by straight-set wins against Renata Zarazúa and Dalma Gálfi. Her most impressive performance came in the fourth round, where she battled back from a break down in the third set to defeat Linda Nosková 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
Mental Health Break and Remarkable Comeback
The significance of Amanda Anisimova’s 2025 success becomes even more profound when considering her recent struggles. In May 2023, she announced an indefinite break from professional tennis, citing mental health concerns and burnout that had plagued her since the summer of 2022. During this period, she stepped away from the sport for four months, focusing on her well-being and pursuing other interests including art and education.
Amanda Anisimova’s decision to prioritize her mental health proved transformative. She enrolled at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she experienced the normalcy of college life. This period away from tennis allowed her to rediscover her passion for the sport while developing a healthier relationship with competition and performance pressure.
Career-Defining Doha Victory
The foundation for Amanda Anisimova’s 2025 success was laid in February when she captured her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open in Doha. She defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-3 in the final, marking her most significant career achievement to that point. The victory elevated her to a career-high ranking of No. 18 and proved that her comeback was genuine rather than temporary.
The Doha triumph represented more than just a title for Amanda Anisimova. It validated her decision to take a mental health break and demonstrated that she had returned to the tour stronger than before. The victory also made her the first American to win the Doha title since Monica Seles in 2002.
Early Career and Breakthrough Moments
Amanda Anisimova’s tennis journey began in earnest when she turned professional in 2016 at age 15. Born in Freehold, New Jersey, to Russian immigrants Konstantin and Olga Anisimov, she moved to Miami at age three to pursue tennis opportunities. Her early promise was evident when she won the 2017 US Open junior championship, defeating future rival Coco Gauff in the final.
Her breakthrough moment came at the 2018 Indian Wells Open, where Amanda Anisimova defeated world No. 9 Petra Kvitová at age 16, becoming the youngest player to reach the fourth round at the tournament in over a decade. This victory announced her arrival as a serious contender on the WTA Tour and set the stage for her rapid ascent through the rankings.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
Amanda Anisimova’s career trajectory was dramatically altered by personal tragedy in August 2019. Her father and longtime coach, Konstantin Anisimov, died suddenly of a heart attack at age 52, just one week before her 18th birthday and days before the US Open. The devastating loss led to her withdrawal from the tournament and significantly impacted her mental health and career development.
The grief from her father’s death continued to affect Amanda Anisimova’s performance for years. She struggled with motivation and consistency, leading to the extended period of poor results that ultimately contributed to her decision to take a mental health break in 2023. Her ability to overcome this personal tragedy and return to elite-level tennis demonstrates remarkable resilience and mental strength.
Current Team and Support System
Amanda Anisimova’s current success is supported by a dedicated team led by coach Marc Lucero, who has been working with her since 2023. Lucero, known for his work with Canadian tennis players, has helped her develop the tactical approach and mental fortitude needed to compete at the highest level. The coaching change coincided with her successful return to the tour and has been instrumental in her 2025 achievements.
Her support system also includes her mother Olga and her sister Maria, who previously played college tennis at the University of Pennsylvania. The family’s close-knit relationship has been crucial in helping Amanda Anisimova navigate the challenges of professional tennis while maintaining perspective on life beyond the sport.
Playing Style and Strengths
Amanda Anisimova’s playing style centers on aggressive baseline play powered by exceptional groundstrokes from both wings. Her two-handed backhand is particularly devastating, allowing her to generate tremendous pace and accuracy from defensive positions. At 5’11”, she possesses the physical attributes to compete effectively with the tour’s top players while maintaining excellent court coverage and movement.
Her tactical intelligence has improved significantly since her comeback, with Amanda Anisimova demonstrating better decision-making in crucial moments. The mental maturity gained from her time away from tennis has translated into more consistent performance levels and improved handling of pressure situations during important matches.
Financial Success and Endorsements
Amanda Anisimova’s recent success has translated into significant financial gains. Her career prize money earnings have reached $6,545,206 as of July 2025, with $1,426,257 earned in 2025 alone. This represents her highest single-season earnings and reflects her improved performance at the tour’s most prestigious events.
Her endorsement portfolio includes long-term partnerships with major brands including Nike, which signed her to a substantial deal in 2019. Additional sponsorships with companies like Gatorade and Therabody have contributed to her estimated net worth of approximately $2 million. These partnerships demonstrate the commercial appeal of her inspiring comeback story and marketability as a young American star.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Challenge
Amanda Anisimova’s Wimbledon semifinal against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka represents the biggest opportunity of her career. The match pits two contrasting styles, with Sabalenka’s raw power against Anisimova’s tactical variety and court craft. Despite holding a 5-3 head-to-head advantage historically, Amanda Anisimova enters as the underdog against the tournament’s top seed.
The semifinal matchup offers Amanda Anisimova the chance to reach her first Grand Slam final and continue her remarkable 2025 season. Her recent form and mental state suggest she is well-equipped to handle the pressure and expectations of competing at the highest level of professional tennis.
Impact on American Tennis
Amanda Anisimova’s success has energized American tennis, providing hope for the future of the women’s game in the United States. As the only American remaining in the Wimbledon women’s draw, she carries the hopes of a nation seeking its next Grand Slam champion. Her journey from mental health struggles to elite competition serves as an inspiration for young players facing similar challenges.
Her story also highlights the importance of mental health awareness in professional sports. Amanda Anisimova’s openness about her struggles and successful return demonstrates that taking time for mental health is not a career-ending decision but can be a pathway to greater success and fulfillment.
Rankings and Future Prospects
Amanda Anisimova’s Wimbledon semifinals appearance guarantees her entry into the top 10 rankings for the first time in her career, with a projected ranking of No. 8 following the tournament. This achievement represents the culmination of her comeback journey and establishes her as one of the premier players in women’s tennis.
Looking forward, Amanda Anisimova’s 2025 season positions her as a legitimate contender for future Grand Slam titles. Her combination of power, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience makes her a formidable opponent for any player on the tour. The success at Wimbledon should provide confidence for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The story of Amanda Anisimova represents more than just tennis achievement. It embodies the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the possibility of redemption after personal tragedy. Her journey from a promising teenager to a player struggling with grief and burnout, and finally to a Grand Slam semifinalist, serves as an inspiring example of human perseverance and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
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