Many in the game view Amanda Anisimova as a future tennis star. With young players achieving success early in their careers, pundits have tipped the American as the next breakout star. She won her first WTA title this year in Bogota, Colombia. The 18-year-old’s potential on the tennis court combined with her charm and appeal gives her the opportunity to be a global superstar.
Anisimova signs with Nike
Nike has noticed Anisimova’s potential and recently signed her to a huge endorsement deal. According to Yahoo Sports, the sports company offered the teenager a long-term deal worth $100 million dollars. The deal is similar to Maria Sharapova’s eight-year agreement with Nike which ends this year. The Russian was among the most marketable tennis players in her prime. The 32-year-old has not performed to her usual high standards in recent years and is currently 134th in the WTA rankings. She has been dealing with injuries that have limited her playing time. Amanda’s deal with Nike appears to be a transition by the company to a younger star with enormous potential. Anisimova has all the ingredients to be a superstar whose reach will go beyond tennis. In fact, she is extremely talented, determined, focused on the sport, good looking and has a sparkling personality.
Exhibition match at the Mubadala Championships
Sharapova and Anisimova will play each other in an exhibition match at the Mubadala Tennis Championships in Dubai. The exhibition tournament will take place in December. IMG sports agency manages the two players. The world No.21 has received advice on how to carry herself on social media to improve her marketability. She reached the semifinals of this year’s French Open. The 19-year-old upset Simona Halep in the quarterfinals before Ashleigh Barty ended her run in the tournament. She withdrew from this year’s US Open after the death of her father.
Her father, Konstantin Anisimov, passed away in August. He also served, as her coach. Her parents moved to the United States from Russia in 1998. She was born in New Jersey before her parents moved to Florida when she was three years old. Her father was a huge influence on her decision to play tennis. Her parents often took her to games to watch Sharapova so she could observe her focus and intensity on the court. Amanda has since returned to the court and played at the China Open this month. She lost in the first round of the tournament to Jennifer Brady. Anisimova is currently 21st on the ATP rankings and is among the youngest player in the top 100 along with fellow American Coco Gauff.
Amanda Anisimova’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.21 (career-high), Amanda played her last match on the 30th of September when she had to surrender to Jennifer Brady 6-74 7-62 6-3 in the 1st round in Beijing.
This year the American has a 24-15 win-loss record. Amanda clinched 1 title in Bogota.
Maria Sharapova’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.134, Maria played her last match on the 26th of August when she capitulated to Serena Williams 6-1 6-1 in the 1st round in U.S. Open.
Amanda Anisimova and Maria Sharapova have never played each other.
Amanda Anisimova and Maria Sharapova |
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