Amanda Anisimova will be hoping to have a fantastic comeback in the 2020 tennis WTA season. The American busted into the biggest stage in tennis sport last year when she defeated Simona Halep in the French Open’s quarterfinal. Her victory surprised a lot of tennis enthusiasts and fans. Regardless of suffering a loss in the semi-finals, Anisimova had made a massive statement as a player to watch in WTA Tours.
Unfortunately, her progress in playing professional tennis was unexpectedly slowed down. Two months after the 2019 French Open, she lost her dad and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, reports New York Post. Her father died of a reported heart attack a week to Anisimova’s birthday and days to the US Open. She had to opt-out of the US open and immediately kept a low profile. The 18-year-old admitted that her father’s death was the worst thing to ever occur to her. It was so tough for her to pull through the loss.
Amanda Anisimova makes her much-anticipated return to tennis
After taking some time off the court following the loss of her dad, the teenager finally felt ready to return to playing her favourite sport. Her first test after her return was the Australian Open. Unfortunately, the current world number 22 in WTA rankings started her campaign on the wrong foot by losing 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to Zarina Diyas.
Despite the loss in the Aussie Open, Anisimova has already become a popular figure in tennis. Alongside Coco Gauff and Sofia Kenin, they are considered to be talented and dazzling American tennis players. Her drastic rise to fame has started to pay off. In October 2019 she signed a mouth-watering deal with Nike which is close to the $70 million they have with Maria Sharapova.
Amanda Anisimova moulds her game around Maria Sharapova
Ever since she signed the Nike deal, the world No. 24 had been regarded in the same way as Maria Sharapova, a player she idolised while growing up. In fact, the youngster had the Russian’s poster. She even watched Sharapova play in the Miami Open. And at the age of 18 years, her favourite cap was signed by the Russian sensation.
Currently, Sharapova and Anisimova have several similarities. They both have the same agent, Max Eisenbud. Furthermore, they have an endorsement deal with Nike. Apart from the Russian, the youngster also admires the character Roger Federer has. She even turned to the Swiss in search for help on how to keep her feelings in check while on the court.
Amanda Anisimova’s ranking and performance in 2020
Currently ranked no.24, Anisimova played her last match on the 21st of January when she surrendered to Zarina Diyas 6-3 4-6 6-3 in the 1st round in Australian Open.
Amanda Anisimova’s best result of the current season was getting to the semi-finals in Auckland.
