Amanda Anisimova could become the next big thing in women’s tennis after a meteoric rise in 2025.
Anisimova was consoled by Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday night as the Belarusian claimed victory in the US Open final.
Months earlier, Anisimova was praised by Iga Swiatek despite a 6-0, 6-0 drubbing in her first major final at Wimbledon, and to bounce back from that was impressive in itself.
Still, Anisimova must now believe she can win Grand Slams, and with three months of the year remaining, she will already be eager to attack the majors next year.
Serena Williams has previously praised Anisimova and perhaps some advice given to her from Simona Halep back in 2019 can now be revisited and taken on board by the American in the future.
Amanda Anisimova of the United States speaks after losing to Aryna Sabalenka during their Women’s Singles Final match on Day Fourteen of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
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Simona Halep advice to Amanda Anisimova can now help her
Back in 2019, with Anisimova a mere teenager, she raced through the draw at Roland Garros to set up a quarterfinal clash with Halep.
The number three seed was the overwhelming favourite but came unstuck pretty emphatically, slipping to a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to one of the new kids on the block.
After the match, Halep was asked whether or not she felt Anisimova could win the French Open, and she advised what she’d need to do to get over the line.
She said in her post-match press conference: “I think she has a big chance if she’s playing like today, without emotions and without thinking, like, about the result.
“She was pretty calm. She showed that she’s able to do good things and big things, so I think she has a chance.”
Anisimova lost in the last four to Ash Barty who would go on and win the tournament but nonetheless, the comments from Halep now have intriguing meaning.
Anisimova must keep Halep’s words ringing in her ears
The American has admitted after the two final defeats that perhaps she let the emotion of the event get the better of her, and it’s definitely something to work at.
Anisimova is now up to number four in the world rankings and at 24, there is time for her to get over the line at one of the big events.
The American has a strong team around her and during her two final runs, she has showcased that she can beat the top players.
Now, it’s all about taking every piece of advice on board and putting it all together to get over the line and finally call herself a major champion.