Amanda Anisimova is up to number four in the world rankings after reaching another US Open final.
Anisimova was hailed by Aryna Sabalenka after losing to her at Flushing Meadows, but there is still real progress in the career of the American player.
It’s been quite the year for Anisimova, who finished 2024 ranked at number 36 in the world and was striving for consistency, particularly at the major tournaments.
Now, she’s reached two successive Grand Slam finals, and after her Wimbledon and US Open exploits, next year has the potential to be a truly memorable one for Anisimova.
For every American player trying to make waves, Serena Williams is the player they all look up to, and a chat with the sporting icon in 2019 was something she will never forget.
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesThe chat with Serena Williams that Amanda Anisimova will never forget
Speaking after Anisimova had played Williams for the one and only time in her career in 2020, the youngster famously opened up on a previous conversation with the legend.
The chat came after Anisimova had lost a long match at the Miami Open to Estonia-born player Anett Kontaveit, and she explained that the kindness of Williams will live long in her memory.
She told the media: “I had a tough loss at the Miami Open. It was a really long match, and I was super upset in the locker room. Serena actually came up to me, and we shared a little bit of a chance. That was really nice of her, and I’ll remember it forever.”
Williams won 23 Grand Slam titles during her career, and now Anisimova is working hard to make sure 2025 doesn’t become a wasted opportunity to start winning more titles.
What Serena Williams said about Amanda Anisimova
Williams had a lot of respect for Anisimova and as she approached the end of her career she decided to make more time for the younger players.
On the moment she shared with Anisimova, Williams said: “She’s a good girl and I really want to take to all the young girls out there that are doing well. It’s an interesting position because it’s just like no one ever says anything, even though I feel like a lot of people want to. I just decided I’m not going to do that anymore. I’m just going to go for it now and do what my emotions want me to do and not do the professional thing.
“I just needed to do that with Amanda, she’s super young. I really love all the new young players. It’s just so exciting for the sport. I feel like tennis has done so much for, and to see a new generation come through is just great.”
Now, Anisimova is one of the players capable of challenging for the top honours on the tour and hopefully, next year she can claim a maiden major title.