Amanda Anisimova has announced her separation from coach Rick Vleeshouwers, a surprising move given what was arguably her most successful year to date. The American player shared the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for their journey.
“It’s been quite the ride and journey together,” Anisimova wrote. “Last year holds so many special moments and achievements together that I will never forget! We picked up some trophies and incredible milestones, but all the laughs and behind the scenes moments I’ll carry with me even more.” She extended her thanks to Vleeshouwers for his contributions.
Their partnership, which began midway through the 2024 season, saw Anisimova achieve significant breakthroughs. A standout moment was her impressive run to the Wimbledon 2025 final, though it ended in a crushing defeat to Iga Swiatek, failing to win a game. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Anisimova reached the US Open final just months later, where she put up a far more competitive fight against Aryna Sabalenka, challenging the world No. 1 at various points.
Expectations were high for Anisimova to carry her strong form into 2026, but the current season has been notably underwhelming. She has struggled to make a significant impact on the tour, with early exits in Brisbane and Qatar. More recently, she secured only two wins in both Indian Wells and Miami, bowing out meekly. While she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the coaching change signals dissatisfaction with her performance. The exact influence of her recent results on this decision remains unclear.
The timing of this split is particularly noteworthy, occurring just ahead of the start of the clay-court season. Speculation will now focus on her next coaching appointment and the potential impact it will have on her trajectory. At 24, Anisimova, who was once hailed as a rising star, faces a pivotal moment in her career to fulfill her early promise.