Amanda Anisimova: new coach, new bat, new year, new luck?
Amanda Anisimova (WTA No. 61) had her big breakthrough on the tour in 2019 - until it met with a big stroke of fate in late summer. Now the 20-year-old attacks again.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 13, 2022, 04:35 pm
Anisimova had already drawn attention to herself as a junior, at the latest in 2017 when she won the US Open, in the final against Cori Gauff, by the way. Almost two years later, the tennis public was fully aware of it when it made it to the semi-finals of the French Open, including after defeating defending champion Simona Halep.
Recently, however, little had been heard from the American, unfortunately. In August 2019, her father and coach Konstantin died completely unexpectedly, at the age of only 53. Anisimova has since struggled for good results, slipping from 21st place in the world out of the top 80.
But 2022 could be her year again. Last week she won her first tournament win at WTA level, in Melbourne. And that with new "material" by her side: On the one hand, she has swapped her good old Babolat Pure Drive for a Wilson racket , and on the other, she is working on a trial basis with one of the most respected coaches - Darren Cahill. He had already looked after Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and most recently Simona Halep, all of them with enormous success.
Anisimova with Darren Cahill on trial
You asked Cahill in the off-season, Anisimova said in Melbourne. "We've just started and we're getting to know each other," she said. But Anisimova has hope for more, especially after winning the tournament. "We'll see how it goes, hopefully it'll be a longer relationship. I really hope that will be the case."
Whether and to what extent Cahill can support his new protégé during the Australian Open? Still seems open. Because a few million TV fans are also hoping for his expertise. "We can already come up with a plan," said Anisimova optimistically. "I would be happy anyway, but I know that he has a lot to do for television. We'll see."
Anisimova also sent a message to her father after her victory. "I miss you," she wrote on Instagram. "I wish you could send me a funny message like you always did when I won. But I know you're proud of me."