As the tennis world wraps up the electrifying WTA Finals, attention invariably turns to the rising stars poised to leave their mark on the sport’s biggest stages. Among these emerging talents, former American professional Coco Vandeweghe recently voiced her compelling belief that Amanda Anisimova is firmly on the path toward winning a Grand Slam title. Her insight comes not just from casual observation but through a keen understanding of the game and the challenges young players face in breaking through to elite status.

Amanda Anisimova’s ascent in women’s tennis has been notably swift and impressive. Just a few years ago, she was competing far from the limelight, ranked 359th in the WTA standings. This dramatic rise to world No. 4, punctuated by deep runs in major tournaments, highlights her tremendous growth and resilience. Such a climb up the rankings is rare and indicates not only talent but also an extraordinary work ethic and mental toughness—the critical elements needed to contend in tennis’s grueling competitive environment.

Anisimova first drew widespread attention during the 2019 French Open when she became one of the youngest semifinalists in Roland Garros history. At only 17, she showcased remarkable poise, advanced power, and tactical maturity beyond her years, defeating established stars before falling to the then-world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty. This breakthrough performance served as a harbinger for her potential to challenge the upper echelons of the sport.

Since then, she has strived to build on that momentum, demonstrating consistency and adaptability, which are essential for conquering tennis’s four major championships. Anisimova’s game combines aggressive baseline power with impressive court coverage, enabling her to compete effectively on various surfaces—a crucial factor when aiming for success across Grand Slams that include clay, grass, and hard courts.

Coco Vandeweghe’s endorsement carries added weight given her own experiences on the professional circuit. Vandeweghe, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist herself, understands the demands and pressures players face. She praised Anisimova’s dedication and progression, remarking on the remarkable change from a lower-ranked player to a top contender with back-to-back appearances in Grand Slam finals in recent years. This trajectory, according to Vandeweghe, signals that Anisimova has the mindset and tools necessary to potentially capture her maiden major title soon.

While focusing on Anisimova, Vandeweghe also acknowledged the impressive strides made by Elena Rybakina, another young player with significant Grand Slam credentials. Rybakina captured the Wimbledon crown in 2022, defeating Ons Jabeur in a memorable final. This victory was historic—not only because it was her first Grand Slam title but also because she was the first player representing Kazakhstan to win a major singles championship, symbolizing the globalization of tennis talent beyond traditional powerhouses.

Despite Rybakina’s proven ability to win at the highest level, Vandeweghe expressed a slight preference for Anisimova’s prospects in forthcoming Grand Slam events. While the competition is fierce and the women’s tour notably unpredictable, both athletes embody the fierce determination, emerging skill, and competitive instincts required to excel on the biggest stages.

The unpredictability of professional tennis is part of its enduring appeal. Even the most seasoned players can falter under pressure, while talented newcomers can break through spectacularly. The mental and physical demands of the sport, combined with the constant evolution of playing styles and strategies, mean that no player’s future is guaranteed. Yet, it is precisely this uncertainty that makes following rising stars like Anisimova so exciting.

Throughout history, tennis has seen players rise seemingly overnight to claim Grand Slam glory. Some, like Monica Seles in the early ’90s, burst onto the scene as teenagers and quickly redefined the game with aggressive power and fearless play. Others, such as Serena Williams, combined extraordinary longevity with raw talent and relentless ambition to dominate for decades. Anisimova’s rise invites comparisons to these phenoms not because she has already reached their heights, but because the potential and hunger are unmistakable.

In the coming seasons, the WTA Tour will be a thrilling battleground as established champions and hungry up-and-comers, including Anisimova and Rybakina, vie to cement their legacies. Off-season training, strategic improvements, and refining mental toughness will be key factors in who ultimately lifts the prized Grand Slam trophies.

In summary, Coco Vandeweghe’s prediction resonates widely among tennis observers. Amanda Anisimova’s story—from a modest ranking to top-tier status with high-profile Slam performances—reflects the qualities essential for a breakthrough Grand Slam champion. Coupled with a powerful, well-rounded game and impressive composure under pressure, Anisimova stands out as a formidable contender deserving close attention. As the sport evolves and new talents emerge, her journey will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling narratives to follow in women’s tennis in the coming years.