Amanda Anisimova turns back to a familiar face as she searches for her 2025 form
WTATuesday, 28 July 2026 at 06:00
Amanda Anisimova appears to have reunited with former coach Hendrick Vleeshouwers ahead of one of the most important stretches of her season. The American star was spotted alongside the Dutch coach during her preparation in Florida, suggesting that the successful partnership that helped transform her 2025 campaign could be back together.
Anisimova has been training at the academy of former player Nick Saviano before the start of the North American hard-court swing, and Saviano shared a photo from the session that also included Vleeshouwers. While neither Anisimova nor Vleeshouwers have officially confirmed the reunion, the images suggest the two have resumed working together at a crucial moment in the 24-year-old’s season.
The timing is significant for Anisimova, who is preparing for a demanding summer schedule after a breakthrough 2025 season that saw her establish herself among the elite players on the WTA Tour. The American reached two Grand Slam finals, won two WTA 1000 titles and climbed as high as world No. 3 before the start of 2026.
However, 2026 has been a more challenging campaign so far. Anisimova has remained inside the top.10 thanks to the points accumulated from her previous season, but she has gradually slipped down the rankings and currently sits at world No. 9. In the WTA Race - which only considers results from the current season - she is outside the leading group at No. 19.
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A successful partnership returns at a key moment
Anisimova and Vleeshouwers enjoyed the best season of the American’s career together in 2025. Under the Dutch coach’s guidance, she produced consistent results across the biggest tournaments, becoming a regular contender at Grand Slam level and collecting some of the biggest titles of her career.
Their collaboration came to an end in March, when Anisimova was struggling to find the same level that had defined the previous season. The American announced the split through social media, thanking Vleeshouwers for their journey together and highlighting the special moments they shared during their successful run.
“It’s been quite the ride and journey together,” Anisimova wrote at the time. “Last year holds so many special moments and achievements together that I will never forget. We picked up some trophies and incredible milestones, but all the laughs and behind-the-scenes moments I’ll carry with me even more.”
Vleeshouwers also shared an emotional farewell message, praising Anisimova’s personality and their relationship beyond results. “Thanks for all the good times and being you. We have always valued the journey more than the destination and it’s been a privilege to be part of yours,” he wrote. “I wish you nothing but success and happiness moving forward and I’ll always be rooting for you.”
After their separation, Vleeshouwers briefly joined French player Loïs Boisson on a trial basis, although that partnership never developed into a long-term project. Boisson’s injury problems limited her time on court, while she has struggled for victories in 2026, winning only one of her eight matches so far.
Now, with the North American swing beginning, Anisimova appears ready to reconnect with a coach who already knows how to maximize her game.
Apareceu! 🙌🏻
— Amanda Anisimova Brasil (@anisimovabr) July 27, 2026
📸 IG | savianotennis pic.twitter.com/N2jJyihEMV
Anisimova faces a crucial summer defense
The reunion comes at a particularly important stage of the season for Anisimova. The American will begin her hard-court campaign at the Canadian Open, where she is seeded eighth and will attempt to improve on her 2025 run to the fourth round.
The upcoming months will be especially important because Anisimova has major points to defend. Last season, she reached the US Open final, one of the biggest achievements of her career, before later winning the China Open WTA 1000 title in October.
Those results helped her establish herself as one of the faces of the new generation, but they also created significant pressure heading into the second half of 2026. A strong North American swing will be essential if she wants to maintain her position among the top players and remain a serious contender at Flushing Meadows.
With Vleeshouwers potentially back in her corner, Anisimova will hope to rediscover the confidence and consistency that made her one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2025 season.
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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