Amanda Anisimova, the 23-year-old American tennis star, has voiced her frustration with the WTA schedule following her unexpected defeat in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Anisimova, who recently clinched her first WTA 1000 title in Doha, struggled to maintain her momentum and fell to fellow American McCartney Kessler in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
In her post-match interview, Anisimova highlighted the challenges posed by the demanding schedule, which left her with little time to rest and recover after her triumph in Doha. “Definitely a little scary to go and play after such a quick turnaround,” she said. “Not testing out the conditions and putting your body through that, it’s like very vulnerable. With the schedule they have on us, it’s tough. You get fined. Then your ranking gets affected if you skip the big tournaments. We don’t get much of a choice when it comes to that.”
Anisimova’s comments reflect the broader concerns shared by many players on the tour, who often face grueling schedules with limited opportunities for rest and recovery. The pressure to consistently participate in major tournaments to maintain rankings and avoid fines adds to the physical and mental strain experienced by professional athletes.
Despite her disappointment in Dubai, Anisimova remains optimistic about her ability to adapt to the demands of the tour. “Knowing that in my mind, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to try to play and do the best that I can. Hopefully I can get more used to that,'” she added.
Anisimova’s recent success in Doha, where she defeated Jelena Ostapenko in the final, showcased her exceptional talent and determination. However, the quick turnaround between tournaments proved to be a significant challenge, highlighting the need for a more balanced schedule that prioritizes player well-being.
As the WTA continues to navigate the complexities of the tour calendar, Anisimova’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing the physical and mental health of athletes. The tennis community will be watching closely to see how the WTA responds to these concerns and whether adjustments will be made to support the players’ needs.
In conclusion, Amanda Anisimova’s criticism of the WTA schedule following her loss in Dubai underscores the challenges faced by professional tennis players. Her comments highlight the need for a more balanced approach to tournament scheduling, one that considers the well-being of athletes and allows them to perform at their best.
Amanda Anisimova in 2025
Now ranked no.18 (career-high), Amanda played her last match on the 17th of February when she lost to world no.53 Mccartney Kessler 6-2 6-3 in the 1st round in Dubai (draw).
Currently, during this year Anisimova achieved a compiled 9-3 record. The American clinched 1 title in Doha.