Amanda Anisimova speaks on the calming effect of having Darren Cahill on coaching team

Once regarded as a potential successor to Serena Williams and the new face of female American tennis, Amanda Anisimova has had ups-and-downs over her young career.

The 20-year old burst onto the scene in 2019, where she won her maiden WTA title as a 17-year old in Bogota and reached the semifinals of Roland Garros that year. However, the sudden passing of her father and long-time coach Konstantin saw her drop in the rankings, as she fell outside the Top 80 in 2021.

Nonetheless, Anisimova has begun to climb back up the rankings following a title run at the Melbourne Summer Set series. The New Jersey native revealed that the legendary Darren Cahill had joined her coaching team for a trial period in Australia, and spoke on how his presence affected her game and mindset.

"It’s kind of just about putting me in a good place from the start, and helping me stay relaxed and calm," revealed Anisimova. "I think [Darren] does a really good job of that because he’s a really great person.

“When I’m in that environment, I think that’s when I play my best tennis.”

Read also

Australian Open Day 5 ATP & WTA Schedule of Play with Barty, Osaka, Nadal, Zverev

Cahill split with Simona Halep last year after a long and successful run, citing the need to stay close to his home in Adelaide. Knowing her season would begin in Australia, Anisimova reached out to him during the off-season for a trial period.

"He sees my game really well. He sees what I should be working on and the things that I don’t do so well," she added. "Right now his main focus is trying to improve my strengths, just trying to sharpen them up and just trust in them more."

The American is scheduled to face two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the third round of the ongoing Australian Open.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe