Amanda Anisimova, regarded by many as a strong contender to claim her first Grand Slam title in 2026, recently expressed her admiration for tennis legend Serena Williams. The American tennis star, who reached consecutive Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, highlighted Williams as her favorite female player of all time. Currently ranked number four on the WTA Tour, Anisimova shared her respect for Williams’ career and individuality during the WTA Tour’s “Behind the Curtain” series.
“Like current or it could be anybody? I would say the WTA player I admire the most is Serena Williams,”
Anisimova said.
“Obviously, she’s a legend and has achieved more than anybody in this sport. And I love the fact that she always did things her way.”
Rising American Stars Following Serena Williams’ Footsteps
Serena Williams has long been a pioneering figure for American tennis players, especially as one of the few to capture multiple Grand Slam titles during her career. Her influence is visible in the success of the new generation of American players ranked highly on the WTA Tour, including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Amanda Anisimova herself. Alongside these notable names, rising talents such as Iva Jovic promise an exciting future for American tennis on the global stage.
Memorable On-Court Encounter Between Anisimova and Williams
Although their peak careers overlapped briefly, Serena Williams and Amanda Anisimova faced each other once in a WTA event. This meeting occurred in the semi-finals of the ASB Classic in 2020, where Williams, as the top seed, clashed with the third-seeded Anisimova. Demonstrating her dominance, Williams won decisively with a 6-1, 6-1 scoreline en route to securing the tournament title.
The Last Title of Serena Williams and Its Legacy
Williams’ victory over Anisimova was part of a landmark tournament win that made her the first player in the Open Era to claim singles titles across four different decades. The Auckland triumph marked Williams’ 73rd career title and her first since becoming a mother. She went on to defeat Jessica Pegula in the final, further cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in tennis history.
Anticipating Anisimova’s Quest for Grand Slam Glory
The pathway that Serena Williams carved has set a high standard for players like Amanda Anisimova, who remains hopeful and determined to win a Grand Slam title. After strong showings at major tournaments and a solid world ranking, Anisimova embodies the promise of American tennis excellence in the upcoming seasons. Her acknowledgment of Williams’ impact reflects both respect for the past and ambition for the future, signaling a compelling storyline for tennis fans worldwide.
