Amanda Anisimova is emerging as a formidable contender on the tennis circuit, showcasing her potential to dominate in 2026. The American’s performances in the latter half of 2025 have reignited hopes for her career, which began with great promise but faced significant challenges.
Anisimova first made headlines in 2019 when she reached the fourth round of the French Open, where she faced off against the formidable Petra Kvitova, who ultimately advanced to the final. Shortly after, she captured her first title on her preferred clay surface, demonstrating her prowess by reaching the semifinals at the French Open. At just 17 years old, she appeared poised to become a leading figure in the sport.
A personal tragedy struck when Anisimova withdrew from the US Open following the sudden death of her father. Although she has not publicly discussed the impact of this loss, it is evident that her performance dipped significantly in the years that followed. After a period of inconsistent results, Anisimova announced a break from tennis in late 2023 to focus on her mental health.
Returning to the Tour in 2024, Anisimova has shown remarkable resilience and has begun to regain her form. Her second breakthrough came at Wimbledon in 2025, where she advanced to the final after winning the prestigious WTA 1000 title in Doha. During this tournament, she achieved a significant victory over Aryna Sabalenka, highlighting her return to competitive form. Although she faced Iga Swiatek in the final, the occasion proved overwhelming.
The US Open provided a chance for redemption, where Anisimova once again faced Sabalenka in the final. Despite the loss, her performance throughout the tournament indicated a clear upward trajectory. She has demonstrated that she can hit some of the hardest and flattest shots on the Tour, and her confidence appears to be surging.
As Anisimova continues to refine her game, her prospects for 2026 look promising. If she maintains the same level of improvement that marked her 2025 season, she will undoubtedly be a player to watch. The combination of her talent, hard-hitting style, and increasing consistency could very well make her a dominant force in women’s tennis in the coming year.
