Amanda Anisimova Opens Up On the Mindset that Crowned Her American No.1

Amanda Anisimova is preparing to kick off her 2026 season at the Brisbane International as American No.1. The 24-year-old toppled former American No.1 Coco Gauff on Monday (January 5) after the WTA rankings were updated, which will see her become World No.3, her highest career ranking since turning professional.

Anisimova has long been identified as one of the WTA’s leading talents, but had not yet taken the step of becoming a top contender for big titles until 2025. After a year out of competition due to a mental health break, she quickly built momentum in 2024 and last year reached the final of the Qatar Open.

She won the WTA 1000 title in Dubai in February 2025 and then reached the final of the Wimbledon Championship, her first Grand Slam championship match. But she lost the title to Iga Swiatek in straight sets and got another chance at the US Open, losing to World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Anisimova began the 2025 season ranked World No.41, but was catapulted to No.4 by the end of the season after an impressive run in two Grand Slam tournaments. Also, she claimed her second title at the China Open in October in Beijing after beating Linda Noskova in three sets in the final.

Besides that, for the first time in her career, she recorded 10 victories against top 10 players. During her press conference in Brisbane, she was asked what led to her rise in form last year. She revealed that she was able to produce a more consistent performance on the court and she trusted her abilities in challenging times:

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 of lasting through a two- or three-week-long tournament, which can be very tough. 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.

Anisimova made her debut at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, last November. The American star lost her opening match against Elena Rybakina, but did well to pick up two notable victories against Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek, which helped her secure a place in the semi-finals. She crashed out in the last four after losing to Sabalenka.

Amanda Anisimova excited about the team and friends supporting her on the court

Amanda Anisimova is the second seed at the Brisbane International, which makes her the highest-seeded player in the part of the draw. She’s on the same side of the draw as Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula. However, she will make her debut at the tournament on January 6 against either Kimberly Birrel or Rebecca Sramkova.

During the aforementioned press conference, Anisimova revealed that what she’s most excited about coming into the 2026 season is that she had a good team and friends behind her throughout the 2025 campaign:

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.

Anisimova will hope to kick-start the 2026 season by enjoying a great run at the Brisbane International. She will have an eye at the Australian Open, with her best run at the event coming in 2019, when she made her debut and reached the round of 16 before losing to former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

Also Read: Coco Gauff Clarifies Why She Called American Fans ‘the Worst’ After Backlash: “I Wish They Were As Passionate”