Amanda Anisimova recalls “tense” WTA atmosphere during early years on Tour: “It’s kind of scary when you are entering a new career”

Friday, 26 June 2026 at 19:30

Amanda Anisimova responded in a recent interview recalling her first steps on the Tour – while preparing for her return to Wimbledon. The American reached the final of the tournament a year ago, although she ultimately suffered a painful 0-6, 0-6 defeat to Iga Swiatek in the final.

Amanda Anisimova is one of those who arrived especially young on the Tour at the beginning of her career. Back in 2017, she made her Grand Slam main draw debut after receiving a wildcard at the French Open at just 15 years old. Two years later, Anisimova had already reached her first Grand Slam semifinal – precisely in Paris, where she was defeated by eventual champion Ashleigh Barty.

However, not everything was easy for the 24-year-old in her early years on Tour. Still a teenager, in a recent interview with BBC Sport, she spoke about how the “tense atmosphere” that existed on the WTA Tour at the beginning of her career has changed into a more and more inclusive environment for new players.

Anisimova – US Open junior champion back in 2017 – credited Sloane Stephens – the tournament champion that same year – for making her feel welcome on Tour. “I love the direction the players are going in when it comes to the social environment and easing that tension when we are off the court,” Anisimova explained. “I would say it's a great environment now: we socialise, we talk. But when I first came on to the tour it was still a bit tense.”

"Aryna is doing a great job"

The two-time Grand Slam champion is already one of the more experienced players on Tour despite being only 24 years old. Despite a pause in her career back in 2023, Anisimova can boast almost a decade on Tour, including 4 titles – two of them WTA 1000 – as well as two Grand Slam finals and deep runs in the most important tournaments on Tour.

However, in her early years results took time to arrive. She was ranked inside the top 25 at just 17 years old, but then struggled for years to take the next step forward. It was not until 2025 – at 23 years old – that she managed to make the breakthrough and enter the top 10, months after returning from a mental health break.

The American acknowledges that it is not easy to make the jump from juniors to professional tennis, especially due to the different environment that existed a decade ago. “There were a few players I talked to who made me feel seen and involved, but it was definitely very interesting, especially coming from the juniors.”

For the American, things have changed as more and more top players have become more inclusive with new players, and she especially highlighted Aryna Sabalenka, current world No. 1 and one of Anisimova’s biggest rivals over the past year.

“I love the older players who treat the new ones coming on with respect and make them feel welcome, because it is kind of scary when you are entering a new career,” she said. “I'd say more of the top players have normalised that. Aryna [Sabalenka] is doing a great job of that, being very social and welcoming with a lot of the players.”

Anisimova eyes Wimbledon redemption

Heading into Wimbledon, the mission is complicated for Anisimova, who reached her first major final at SW19 a year ago. With 1,300 points to defend, she could drop outside the top 8 if she does not defend her campaign.

A year ago, the pressure of playing her first Grand Slam final against Swiatek – a five-time Grand Slam champion at the time – ultimately proved too much for the American.

“Wimbledon is Wimbledon. I'll always love coming back,” she said about her upcoming participation in the tournament, where she will be the 6th seed. “I have great memories from it, hoping to maybe rewrite the story in a more positive way and hopefully go all the way at some point in my career.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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