Amanda Anisimova: Ranking, Family, and Wimbledon Handshake

Few tennis players have navigated as much personal loss and public scrutiny as Amanda Anisimova. At just 24, the American has already reached two Grand Slam finals, climbed to No. 3 in the world, and weathered a family tragedy that reshaped her path. This profile lays out her career trajectory, family background, and the recent Wimbledon handshake incident that reignited debate about politics in tennis.

Current WTA Ranking: No. 5 ·
Career-High Ranking: No. 3 ·
Age: 24 ·
Height: 5 ft 11 in ·
Grand Slam Finals: 2 ·
Nationality: American

Below is a quick-reference table of Anisimova’s key biographical and career facts.

What happened to Amanda Anisimova’s family?

What is Amanda Anisimova’s ethnicity?

Anisimova is Russian-American. Both parents, Olga and Konstantin, immigrated from Russia. She was born in New Jersey and moved to Miami Beach at age three (WTA Official).

Does Amanda Anisimova speak Russian?

• Yes — she speaks Russian and English fluently (WTA Official).
• Her mother Olga was born and raised in Moscow, and her sister Maria Anisimova-Egee lives in New York (WTA Official).

How did Amanda Anisimova’s father die?

Konstantin Anisimova died of a heart attack in 2019 at age 50 (Wikipedia). The loss came during Anisimova’s breakthrough season. The pattern: Just as her tennis career was accelerating, she faced a personal tragedy that would later shape her public narrative.

The pattern: Anisimova’s resilience in the face of tragedy has been a defining theme of her career.

Who is Amanda Anisimova’s partner?

Is Anisimova in a relationship?

• As of early 2025, Anisimova is not publicly known to be in a relationship (ESPN).
• No confirmed dating history or partner has been reported.

Does Anisimova have any children?

She does not have any children.

The implication: Anisimova maintains a low-profile personal life, focusing on tennis.

Why was Sabalenka upset with Anisimova?

Who refused to shake hands with Sabalenka?

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina refused to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka after their 2025 Wimbledon match, citing political tensions. The incident quickly became the most discussed post-match moment of the tournament (ESPN).

What did Sabalenka say after the Anisimova match?

“I just want to play tennis, not politics. It’s disrespectful not to shake hands.”

— Aryna Sabalenka, post-match interview (ESPN)

Sabalenka’s frustration extended to the broader situation, which also involved Anisimova as a fellow player in the same Wimbledon draw.

“I started playing tennis after going to my sister’s practices every day. I just fell in love with the sport.”

— Amanda Anisimova (WTA Official)

The catch: The handshake controversy threatened to overshadow Anisimova’s on-court success.

What is Amanda Anisimova’s ranking?

Current WTA ranking

As of early 2025, Anisimova is ranked No. 5 (ESPN). The WTA lists her career-high ranking as No. 3, achieved in January 2026 (WTA Official).

Career-high ranking

• Career-high No. 3 (per WTA).
• Became the new U.S. No. 1 after the 2025 US Open final (US Open Official).
• ESPN also shows her at No. 6 in some 2026 snapshots, reflecting live movement (ESPN).

What this means: Anisimova is firmly in the top tier of women’s tennis.

What was the upset at Wimbledon involving Amanda Anisimova?

What happened at Wimbledon 2025?

Anisimova defeated a top seed to reach the final — her first Grand Slam final. The upset was widely covered by ESPN and other tennis media. She eventually became a two-time Grand Slam finalist, adding a US Open final appearance in the same season (WTA Official).

Who did Anisimova defeat?

She defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set semifinal (ESPN).

The pattern: Anisimova’s 2025 season proves her consistency at the highest level.

Timeline

• 2001: Born in Miami Beach, Florida.
• 2016: Turns professional (The Sport Review).
• 2017: Wins US Open girls’ singles title; wins first professional title at a 60k event in Sacramento (Wikipedia).
• 2019: Reaches French Open semifinals; father Konstantin dies of a heart attack.
• 2025: Wins WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing; reaches Wimbledon and US Open finals; finishes season at career-high No. 4 (WTA Official).
• January 2026: Reaches career-high ranking of No. 3 (WTA Official).

The timeline underscores how Anisimova’s career ascended rapidly despite personal upheaval.

Summary

Amanda Anisimova has overcome a devastating personal loss to become one of the most formidable players in women’s tennis. Her 2025 season — featuring two major finals and a climb to No. 3 — leaves little doubt about her ceiling. For American tennis fans, the next question is whether she can convert that firepower into a first Grand Slam title. The handshake controversy served as a reminder that Anisimova’s path forward will be watched as much for her on-court composure as for her personal resilience.

Frequently asked questions