Roger Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone believes Amanda Anisimova is ready to take the next step in her career. After a breakthrough season in 2025, Annacone tipped the 24-year-old American to win her first Grand Slam in 2026. “I have loved what we’ve seen from Amanda. I think she is knocking on the door, and she is my vote for a major victory next year,” Annacone told tennis.com.
A season of progress
Anisimova captured her first two WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing, breaking into the top-10 for the first time. She also reached two Grand Slam finals, losing to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon and Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open. Her rise from outside the top 300 in 2023 to world number four in 2025 has been one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent tennis history.
Vandeweghe’s support
Former Australian Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe also backed Anisimova to win a Slam next year, while acknowledging Elena Rybakina as a strong contender. “I would love to say both, but if I had to choose one I would go with a first Slam for Amanda, which would be an amazing story. Amanda finished at number 359 in the WTA rankings at the end of 2023. Two years later, she finishes at number four with back-to-back Grand Slam final finishes. But both women definitely have it in them to do next year,”
Vandeweghe said.Rybakina’s resurgence
Although Rybakina struggled in Majors during 2025, she rediscovered her form late in the season, winning Ningbo and the WTA Finals. The Kazakh star, ranked world number five, remains a dangerous opponent, having previously reached the Australian Open final in 2023 where she lost to Sabalenka.
Looking ahead to 2026
The Australian Open has not been a favorable venue for Anisimova, as she has yet to progress beyond the round of 16. However, with her recent surge in form and growing confidence, experts believe she is poised to challenge for the biggest titles. With Annacone and Vandeweghe both tipping her for success, 2026 could mark the year Amanda Anisimova finally claims her place among Grand Slam champions.
Amanda Anisimova in 2025
Ranked no.4 (career-high), Anisimova played her last match on the 7th of November when she was overcome by world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 3-6 6-3 in the semifinal in Riyadh (draw).
Until now, during this year Amanda has managed to achieve a 47-18 record. Amanda has won 2 titles in 2025 in Doha and Beijing. The American reached the final in London, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.