American tennis star Amanda Anisimova, at just 23 years old, has captured headlines with her remarkable run to the semifinals of Wimbledon 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career and a testament to her unwavering resilience. This achievement is her first semifinal appearance at the prestigious Grand Slam and her second overall at a major, following her breakthrough at the 2019 French Open.
Anisimova’s journey to the Wimbledon semifinals culminated in a hard-fought victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarterfinals, securing a 6-1, 7-6(9) win. The match saw Anisimova dominate the first set and build a commanding 5-2 lead in the second, only to face a spirited comeback from her opponent. She ultimately saved five set points in a tense tiebreak to seal her place in the final four. This triumph makes her the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals since Serena Williams in 2019, highlighting her return to elite form. (Tennis365.com)
Hailing from Freehold Township, New Jersey, Anisimova turned professional in 2016. Her talent was evident early on, as she achieved a career-high junior ranking of world No. 2 and clinched the 2017 US Open girls’ singles title, defeating fellow American Coco Gauff in the final. On the professional circuit, she quickly made her mark, earning her first top-10 victory against Petra Kvitová at the 2018 Indian Wells Open at just 16. Her maiden WTA Tour title came in April 2019 at the Copa Colsanitas. That same year, she stunned defending champion Simona Halep to reach the French Open semifinals, becoming the youngest player to do so in over a decade. (Wikipedia)
However, Anisimova’s promising trajectory was met with significant personal challenges. In August 2019, just a week before her 18th birthday, her father and primary coach, Konstantin Anisimov, tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack. This devastating loss led to her withdrawal from the 2019 US Open and deeply impacted her career. She later took an indefinite break from tennis in 2023, citing burnout and mental health concerns. (Town & Country Magazine)
Her return to the tour in 2024 marked the beginning of a remarkable comeback, largely attributed to a holistic approach to her well-being. A crucial addition to her team this year has been physiotherapist Shadi Soleymani, who has taken on a multifaceted role encompassing massage, sleep expertise, and nutrition. Soleymani identified and addressed recurring hip and back injuries that had previously hindered Anisimova’s training and performance. By focusing on targeted flexibility and strength work, and adjusting her diet and sleep habits, Soleymani has helped Anisimova build greater durability and confidence on court. (The Athletic)
This renewed physical and mental strength has translated into impressive results. In 2024, Anisimova reached her first WTA 1000 final at the Canadian Open in Toronto. The momentum continued into 2025, where she secured her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Ladies Open, defeating Jelena Ostapenko in the final. These performances have propelled her up the WTA rankings, reaching a career-high of world No. 12 on June 30, 2025, and she is projected to break into the top 10 following her Wimbledon run. (WTATennis.com)
Anisimova’s aggressive baseline game, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and a potent two-handed backhand, combined with her improved physical conditioning, makes her a formidable opponent. Her career prize money now stands at over US$6.5 million, with a professional record of 186 wins and 110 losses. (ESPN.com)
Looking ahead, Anisimova faces a challenging semifinal clash against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. While Sabalenka won their most recent encounter at the 2025 French Open, Anisimova holds a favorable 5-3 lead in their overall head-to-head record. As she prepares for this blockbuster match, Anisimova’s journey stands as an inspiring narrative of talent, perseverance, and the profound impact of a dedicated support system in overcoming adversity.
