Amanda Anisimova: “There’s Always Room to Improve” at Home in Miami

3 days ago
2 min read

For Amanda Anisimova, the Miami Open feels like a homecoming. A Miami Beach resident you may spot walking the streets of South Beach during the off-season, she returns to the tournament with a sense of ease that goes beyond the court. As part of Miami Living’s annual tennis interview series, we spoke with Amanda Anisimova about balancing life and competition, continuing her education, and the small routines that help her manage the unique demands of playing at home at the Miami Open.

BY MARKIN ABRAS | PHOTOS AMANDA ANISIMOVA/INSTAGRAM

Amanda Anisimova was born in Freehold Township, New Jersey, to Russian parents who later moved the family to Florida to support her tennis development. She started playing tennis as a child alongside her older sister, Maria, and was coached primarily by her father, Konstantin Anisimov, who helped guide her early progress. Her talent was clear at the junior level, where she won the girls’ singles title at the US Open in 2017. She turned professional in 2016 and quickly adapted to the physical and mental demands of the tour.

Away from competition, Anisimova has also focused on her education and personal growth. She once shared that balancing tennis and academics became especially meaningful during her time away from the tour. “I attended college in person during my break from tennis,” Amanda said. “I have a Business major that I’ve been studying since 2020, and I’m also doing a minor in Psychology.” Off the court, she values simple ways to reset. “Going to the beach and spending time with people I love is the best way to recharge. Sometimes something fun like jet skiing too.” Her recovery habits during tournaments are also practical and disciplined. She explained that sleep is a priority, adding, “I take a magnesium supplement before bed, and sometimes a hot bath helps. I also try not to scroll too much on my phone.”

Her breakthrough moment came in 2019 when she reached the semifinals of the French Open at just 17 years old, defeating defending champion Simona Halep along the way. That same year, she won her first WTA title at the Copa Colsanitas in Bogotá. She continued to build her resume with titles at the Melbourne Summer Set 2 in 2022 and the Qatar TotalEnergies Open in 2024, her first WTA 1000 title. She has consistently worked to refine her game and believes improvement is ongoing. “There’s always room to improve every part of my game,” Amanda said. “We’re always working on things like my serve and movement, and trying to get better even at my strengths.”

The conditions in Miami present a different kind of test, especially with the heat and humidity. Anisimova approaches those challenges with small adjustments that often go unnoticed. “Putting ice in my drinks and pouring water over my towels helps on really hot days,” she said.

Amanda Anisimova's stats:

Age: 24 (31 August 2001)

Birth place: Freehold Township, New Jersey, USA

Career high: World No. 3

Single titles: 4

Miami Open Best: 4th Round in 2025

Prize Money: US$ 12,892,510

www.instagram.com/amandaanisimova