As the tennis world gears up for the prestigious WTA Finals, Amanda Anisimova’s name is rising as one of the most captivating stories of the season. The 23-year-old American has burst onto the scene with a string of impressive performances against some of the toughest players on the circuit. From defeating reigning stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to battling emerging talents such as Coco Gauff, Anisimova’s game has taken a remarkable leap forward, drawing attention not only for her results but for her evolving mental strength and poise on court.

Anisimova’s journey in professional tennis has been one marked by both promise and resilience. Born in Freehold, New Jersey, to Russian parents, she began playing tennis at a young age and quickly made waves by reaching the semifinals of the French Open in 2019, at just 17. That stunning run catapulted her into the global spotlight, showcasing her fearlessness, powerful baseline game, and tactical savvy. However, her progress was slowed by injuries and the mental strain that often accompanies the pressures of early success.

What sets Anisimova apart today is not just her baseline firepower or technical skill, but her maturation as a competitor who understands the mental demands of the sport. Former professionals and commentators such as Rennae Stubbs have highlighted this aspect of her game. Stubbs, a respected Australian tennis analyst and former doubles No. 1, has remarked that Anisimova “has understood that if she is not mentally present, she doesn’t want to play.” This insight points to a rare self-awareness in a young player, acknowledging the importance of psychological readiness as much as physical conditioning.

Mental health and well-being have become increasingly prominent topics in the tennis world, especially with younger stars like Anisimova and Mirra Andreeva dealing with intense scrutiny and expectations. Andreeva, a teenage talent who has shown tremendous promise but also vulnerability—seen when she emotionally left the court in a recent match—could arguably draw inspiration from Anisimova’s approach. Stubbs noted that Andreeva might benefit from recognizing when to step back and regroup, suggesting that victory is not solely about pushing through at all costs but knowing when to recharge and nurture the mind and body.

Sam Querrey, a former ATP player and now a vocal tennis commentator, has also expressed confidence in Anisimova’s prospects. On his podcast, he stated, “Give me the girl whose name I can barely pronounce—Amanda Anisimova. I think she’s going to win it.” Such endorsements from seasoned players underline the respect she commands in the tennis community, especially as the WTA Finals promise to be a stage where mental toughness is as crucial as skill.

Anisimova’s style of play is often described as a blend of power and finesse—she strikes the ball with a purity and consistency that multiple experts have commended. Stubbs once said, “Nobody hits the ball more purely than Amanda,” underlining the technical excellence underpinning her success. Even when not at peak form physically or emotionally, Anisimova can rely on this solid foundation to challenge and overcome elite opponents.

Historically, tennis has seen prodigies who burst onto the scene only to struggle with the transition to sustained success. Players like Jennifer Capriati in the 1990s and more recently Naomi Osaka have illustrated the complexities young champions face in balancing expectations with personal health. Anisimova’s story feels part of this lineage—young, tremendously gifted, encountering early highs and the inevitable obstacles that test character and resolve.

As the WTA Finals approach, the stakes are immense. This year’s tournament gathers the top eight players, each bringing a unique style and unparalleled hunger for a season-ending title that can define careers. For Anisimova, the event represents not just a chance at glory, but an opportunity to cement her status among tennis’ very best and to show the world that her story is far from a fleeting headline.

Looking ahead, if Anisimova maintains her current trajectory, combining her natural talent with mental resilience, the sky may well be the limit. Grand Slam trophies loom large on the horizon, and her evolving game could see her become a fixture at the sport’s highest echelons for years to come. As former coach Nick Bollettieri famously emphasized, a tennis racket is “an extension of the arm, not just a tool to hit the ball.” Anisimova has internalized this ethos, crafting a rhythm and style that feels artful yet forceful, precise yet joyful.

In a sport where careers can be defined by razor-thin margins and fleeting form, Amanda Anisimova’s blend of power, precision, and introspection sets her apart. Her story resonates as one of growth and self-discovery—qualities that strike a chord beyond the tennis court. With respect from seasoned experts and the enthusiasm of fans worldwide, Anisimova is poised to serve up remarkable moments for years to come. Indeed, as the tennis community watches, one thing is clear: her journey has just begun, and the best may still be ahead.