“I doubted myself in previous situations”: Amanda Anisimova explains the mindset that crowned her American No. 1

Amanda Anisimova is preparing to start the season at the Brisbane International in a new category, with her highest career ranking as world No. 3, following a flawless 2025 season in which she won two WTA 1000 titles and reached the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open.

The American rose in the rankings from No. 41 at the start of the season to No. 4 by the end of the year — becoming the No. 1 American after the first week of competition. The two-time major runner-up now enters the new season as one of the favorites for the big titles.

Within the top 10, Anisimova is one of three players who reached the elite group for the first time in their careers during 2025. The 24-year-old achieved this rise after winning two titles and reaching three other finals during the year, also recording 10 victories against top-10 opponents.

“I think last year I was able to be very consistent because of the self-belief that I kind of instilled in myself, trusting my abilities and being capable to last through a two- or three-week-long tournament, which can be very tough,” Anisimova said in a press conference in Brisbane. “I think I kind of doubted myself in previous situations that I was in maybe, a few years ago.”

“Last year, despite whatever challenges or obstacles I had, I still trusted myself and told myself I can get past the finish line. I think that was kind of the biggest change. And the more I put myself in those situations, the more that I trust myself.”

Anisimova had long been identified as one of the Tour’s talents but had not yet taken the step to become a true contender in the majors. After a year out of competition in 2023 — due to a mental health break — she quickly built momentum in the following two seasons.

However, the big breakthrough came in 2025, with her title in Dubai at the start of the year and her performance at Wimbledon, which fully catapulted her to a new status on the Tour. After a year full of new experiences, the American indicated that she does not feel there have been major changes in herself.

“I don't know how it's changed me, but I feel like I have gotten to experience so many different things. I think the most important thing was that I had a lot of fun on and off of the court, despite results,” she stated. “I have, like, a great team with me, and just my family and friends. They were supporting me throughout the whole year, and I think that was the most important thing. And then just being able to excel in my career and have the achievements that I did were that extra cherry on top for me.”

"I think that's the most special part about last year and going into this year. Yeah, super excited to build off of that, and I feel like I'm in a really good place mentally, so I feel like that's maybe the change from the previous year."

The world No. 3 is still waiting to learn her opponent in Brisbane International — where she enters as the second seed, only behind world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. She will make her debut on Tuesday, January 6, against the winner of the wildcard Kimberly Birrell (No. 106) and Slovak qualifier Rebecca Sramkova (No. 71).