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CZ8: What does returning to London for the grass season feel like?
Amanda Anisimova: I love coming back to London. It's one of the world's most iconic tennis destinations, and of course I had an incredibly special run here last year and made some amazing memories, so I'm looking forward to another go.
CZ8: Last year's Wimbledon final did not go the way you wanted, and you were strikingly open about it afterwards. Looking back, what did that day teach you?
Amanda Anisimova: Experiencing that final and that result taught me a lot about handling stress and nerves in big moments. Of course I was disappointed, but reaching that stage showed me what I'm capable of and I was able to use those lessons moving forward. It gave me confidence that I can put myself in those positions again.
CZ8: A few weeks later you reached the US Open final, beating Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka along the way. What shifted for you between those two tournaments?
Amanda Anisimova: Wimbledon was tough, but I didn't want one match to overshadow everything I'd accomplished to get there. The US Open brought a different challenge because it's the home Slam and there's a lot of attention and expectation that comes with that, but because of the Wimbledon final I felt more prepared to handle those moments. I've worked hard on my resilience and self-belief, and that mindset shift helped me trust myself more.
CZ8: In 2023 you stepped away from the tour to protect your mental health. How do you view that decision now, and what would you say to a younger player feeling the same pressure?
Amanda Anisimova: Looking back, it was one of the most important decisions I've made for myself as a person and as an athlete. After that reset, I feel like I have a healthier perspective on the sport and on life in general. To any younger player feeling pressure, I'd say it's important to listen to yourself and not be afraid to slow down. Good things take time and taking care of yourself will always make you stronger in the long run. A lot of my dreams came true after that break.
CZ8: You reached a career-high of World No. 3 earlier this year. Does a ranking like that mean something different to you now than it would have at the start of your career?
Amanda Anisimova: When you're younger, it's easy to focus on rankings and use them to measure success. Now, I moreso appreciate what goes into being able to reach a ranking that high. It's something I'm proud of, but I also try not to define myself by a number. For me, it's more about continuing to improve and enjoying the process.
CZ8: Women's tennis feels deeper and more competitive than ever. How have you seen the landscape change, and where do you think it is heading?
Amanda Anisimova: The depth on the WTA Tour right now is incredible. Tennis is unpredictable and everyone has a chance on any given day. Beyond that, there's a growing sense of camaraderie and respect for what we each go through week after week. I think fans are seeing more personalities, more rivalries and more thrilling match-ups than ever before.
CZ8: You go into this Wimbledon as a real contender. How do you handle the expectation that comes with that, both from outside and from yourself?
Amanda Anisimova: I try not to focus too much on expectations, whether they're coming from outside or from myself. What I've learned is that my best tennis comes when I'm present and focused on what I can control each day, physically and mentally. I trust the work I've put in, and I believe in my game.
CZ8: You have spoken candidly about the realities of life as a professional athlete. What do you do away from the court to stay grounded?
Amanda Anisimova: Training, competing and traveling day after day can get monotonous, so it's really important to me to take breaks and make time for fun. I love to disconnect by painting or spending time outdoors, going to the beach. My friends and family keep me very grounded, and I even have some special voice memos from them saved to help calm me when I'm stressed. Those moments remind me that there's a lot more to life than tennis.
CZ8: Evenings like this one show a more relaxed side of the tour. How much do you enjoy the off-court side of the sport, and does fashion or style play a part in that for you?
Amanda Anisimova: With a season as long as ours, it's important to embrace the moments off court as a reminder of how special it is to be a player on the WTA Tour. Tonight, for example, I'm celebrating returning to a tournament that I dreamed of playing in as a kid. Fashion is definitely a creative outlet I can lean into during these moments, and a great opportunity to express who I am beyond tennis.
CZ8: What would make this season a success for you, beyond results and rankings?
Amanda Anisimova: Beyond results, I'd like to finish the season feeling proud of the way I handled challenges, stayed resilient and enjoyed the journey. My journey these last few years has been about learning to find balance and appreciate the happy moments along the way. If I can keep improving, stay healthy, make great memories and continue doing what I love, I'd consider that a successful season.
