The tennis world continues to see significant coaching shifts. Following Iga Swiatek’s recent split from Wim Fissette, American player Amanda Anisimova has also announced she is parting ways with her coach, Rick Vleeshouwers. This decision comes despite Anisimova experiencing what many consider the best season of her career last year.
Anisimova shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on their time together. “It’s been quite the ride and journey together,” she 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 expressed gratitude to Vleeshouwers for his contributions.
Vleeshouwers joined Anisimova’s team midway through the 2024 season, a period that saw a significant upturn in her performance. A highlight was her impressive run to the Wimbledon 2025 final, though she ultimately suffered a dominant defeat to Iga Swiatek, failing to win a single game. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Anisimova reached another Grand Slam final just months later at the US Open. There, despite losing to Aryna Sabalenka, she delivered a much more competitive performance, even putting the World No. 1 under pressure at times.
Despite the strong finish to 2025, Anisimova’s 2026 season has so far been underwhelming. She has struggled to make a significant impact on the tour, recording only two wins in both Indian Wells and Miami, exiting tamely. Earlier in the year, she also faced early exits in Brisbane and Qatar. While she did reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, this coaching change implies a level of dissatisfaction with her current trajectory. The exact extent to which her recent form influenced the decision remains unclear.
The timing of this announcement, just ahead of the crucial clay court season, adds another layer of intrigue. Speculation will now focus on who Anisimova will appoint as her new coach and the potential impact this decision will have on her career. At 24, and having been marked as a rising star early in her career, many feel it’s a critical juncture for the American to solidify her position among the sport’s elite.
