In 2025, Madison Keys broke through as the season’s sole first-time Grand Slam champion, realising her dream by capturing the Australian Open crown.
As the new season approaches, a big question arises: will 2026 witness another star achieve that same milestone?
This was precisely the topic debated on the latest episode of The Tennis, where the panel assessed the leading contenders on the WTA tour.
Amanda Anisimova is the highest-ranked women’s player entering the new year without a major title, and one fancied by many to take that leap next season.
“There’s a reason why she’s that ranking. I think she had a great year making back-to-back [Grand Slam] finals,” noted Australian doubles No.1 Ellen Perez.
“It’s really cool to see how she bounced back from the [Wimbledon] finals loss she had against Iga [Swiatek], a convincing scoreline, but it shows you are human, you get nervous… after that she was very fearless and she didn’t let that bother her.”
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Perez praised the 24-year-old’s mental strength and strong support system off the court – factors she believes position Anisimova ideally for a 2026 breakthrough.
“She looks very composed and in a good place,” Perez added.
“She has a good group of family and friends well outside the tennis world and I think that’s important. She doesn’t get wrapped up too much in all the other stuff, she grounds herself and resets really well.”