Amanda Anisimova's career highlights: her Indian Wells breakthrough at 17, devastating forehand, comeback from personal hiatus, and potential as a future Grand Slam champion.
In 2019, at just 17 years old, Amanda Anisimova announced her arrival on the WTA Tour with a stunning run to the semifinals of Indian Wells. She became the youngest player to reach that stage since 1999, defeating multiple top-10 opponents along the way.
She became the youngest player to reach the Indian Wells semifinals since 1999, defeating Simona Halep and Elina Svitolina.
Her aggressive baseline game and poise under pressure were on full display. She dictated rallies with her forehand and showed a maturity beyond her years.
Anisimova possesses one of the heaviest forehands on the WTA Tour, generating exceptional spin and pace from the baseline. She relies on taking the ball early and dictating points, forcing opponents onto the back foot. Her footwork has improved significantly, aided by modern sports technology that tracks movement efficiency.
This aggressive style is particularly effective on faster surfaces like hard courts and grass, where her power can overwhelm opponents.
In 2020, Anisimova took a break from tennis due to personal tragedy and mental health concerns. She returned in 2021 with a more measured perspective and a refined game. Her subsequent results included a semifinal appearance at the French Open and a fourth-round showing at Wimbledon.
After stepping away from the sport for several months, Anisimova returned with renewed clarity and reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros in 2021.
At her peak, Anisimova has been ranked as high as No. 21, but her game suggests a ceiling far higher. With continued development of her consistency and mental fortitude, she could become a regular fixture in the top 10 and a perennial Grand Slam contender. Predictive analytics in sports suggest her power-centric style is tailor-made for the hard courts of the Australian Open and US Open, as well as the grass of Wimbledon.