Amanda Anisimova was born in New Jersey to Russian immigrants Olga and Konstantin Anisimov. Her parents, both with backgrounds in finance, moved to the United States in 1998 to provide better opportunities for their children. Amanda’s older sister, Maria, played tennis at the collegiate level, inspiring Amanda to pick up the sport. From a young age, Konstantin took on the role of Amanda’s coach, despite having no prior experience in tennis. He later sought professional guidance from renowned coach Nick Saviano to further Amanda’s development.
Konstantin’s Coaching Philosophy
Konstantin was deeply involved in Amanda’s tennis journey, emphasizing balance and realism. He believed in nurturing Amanda’s love for the game while avoiding the pitfalls of overtraining and unrealistic expectations. His approach was grounded and thoughtful, often warning against the dangers of parental pressure in youth sports. Olga complemented this by creating a tennis camp to ensure Amanda had a social life alongside her rigorous training.
Sudden Tragedy Before a Major Tournament
In August 2019, just days before Amanda’s 18th birthday and the start of the US Open, Konstantin died of a heart attack at the age of 52. The loss was devastating for Amanda, who immediately withdrew from the tournament. She later described it as the most difficult experience of her life, choosing not to speak about it publicly for a long time. Her return to tennis was driven by the desire to honor her father’s memory through the sport they shared.
A New Chapter with Rick Vleeshouwers
After taking a break from tennis in 2023 to focus on her mental health, Amanda returned with renewed determination. In 2024, she began working with Dutch coach Rick Vleeshouwers. His analytical and supportive coaching style helped Amanda climb back up the rankings. Under his guidance, she won her first WTA 1000 title and reached the Wimbledon final in 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career.
