Amanda Anisimova is one of the lucky athletes who can make a living by doing what she loves, and she recently opened up about her beginnings.
Anisimova has been one of the most talented young players in tennis for a few years. She made headlines worldwide after reaching the 2019 French Open semifinal as a 17-year-old, pushing the eventual champion Ashleigh Barty at that stage.
Coco Gauff, who Martina Navratilova thinks could become the world No. 1 in the future, reached the fourth round of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships as a 15-year-old, meaning 2019 was a special year for young American players.
Understandably, Anisimova found the media attention as such a young player challenging, and her results dipped in 2020 and 2021. However, 2022 was a much better year for the powerful American.
Anisimova began this year by winning the Melbourne Summer Set in January. She subsequently reached the quarterfinal at Wimbledon, fourth rounds at the Australian Open and French Open, and ended the year ranked No. 23, 55 places higher than the start of the season.
Despite still being just 21 years old, Anisimova retains a great perspective. The 2019 French Open semifinalist says players who do not know if they will make it in the sport face the most pressure.
"The first time I played the Australian Open, I reached the fourth round, so it was very special for me. I think the most complicated part about tennis is not knowing whether you'll make it or not. Just the unknown of whether you'll become successful."
Anisimova also has fond memories from this year's Australian Open. She overcame Naomi Osaka in an epic match before being beaten by the eventual champion, Ashleigh Barty, in the fourth round.
"To play Naomi for the first time, it's unreal, honestly. My favorite quality of mine that I always try to work on is that I will always put up a fight no matter what. I love playing in front of Australian fans. It's just so fun out here. I absolutely love it."