Some seasons change careers, and then some seasons change how the tennis world looks at a player. For America’s Amanda Anisimova, 2025 felt unmistakably like the latter. Twelve months ago, she was still searching for rhythm, confidence, and consistency. By the end of the season, she was standing shoulder to shoulder with the elite - fourth in the world, a two-time WTA 1000 champion, and also a two-time Grand Slam finalist.

The WTA’s Most Improved Player award was merely the official stamp on what fans and rivals alike had already seen unfolding week after week. This year, she had a win-loss record of 47-18. She also became the only player to be able to defeat each of the 2025 Women’s Singles Grand Slam champions (Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka) this year. Her incredible rise didn’t go unnoticed by those who have lived the grind of the tour themselves.

Former American pro Steve Johnson was among the ex-players reflecting on the standout performers of 2025 on the Nothing Major Show. When the conversation turned to players who hadn’t won a Grand Slam but defined the season anyway, Johnson didn’t hesitate. “Amanda Anisimova. Two Slam finals, two 1000 titles, she went from 36 to four. It was amazing. MVP. I think she will get a Slam in 2026.”

It was more than praise - it was a prediction rooted in pattern. Players who knock on the door twice in one season rarely stop there. The experience, the scars, and the confidence tend to fuse into something dangerous the following year.

But this isn’t the first time that we’ve seen Johnson predict something for someone like Amanda Anisimova. Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast before the 2025 WTA Finals, the former pro had labeled Anisimova as the favorite to win the tournament. But unfortunately for him, his prediction went wrong as Anisimova was knocked out of the competition with a three-set defeat to the current world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in the SF.

So, it’ll be interesting to see if Steve Johnson’s Grand Slam predictions surrounding the 24-year-old American come true in the next season or not. How does Anisimova look at her 2025 season, and does she really have a chance to win big titles in 2026? 

Tennis bigwig drops a bold prediction about Amanda Anisimova’s 2026 AO campaign

Looking back, Amanda Anisimova might just describe 2025 as a year of learning how to win through pressure rather than around it. The American ace found herself in unfamiliar territory - deep runs becoming expectations, not surprises. Each match demanded patience, emotional control, and trust in a game that finally felt complete. The losses in those Slam finals hurt, but they also clarified something important: the margin separating her from a major title was thinner than ever.

Earlier this month, while analyzing her 2025 season during an interview with Sports Illustrated, Anisimova said, “I’m so happy with my year. Like, it’s been such a great year, and I think that I did more than I expected, for sure. I achieved things that I’ve always dreamt about. But then I also feel like there’s so much more room for improvement and a lot of big goals I’m still chasing for next year. And I think I can just take a lot of lessons, just a lot of takeaways from this year in terms of where I’ve grown as a player, and also what I need to do better next year. And I think a lot of the experiences I had this year are really beneficial for me going into next year.”

First up for her in 2026 will be the Brisbane International, where she will be making her debut. Amanda Anisimova expressed her excitement in participating in the pre-Australian Open event by saying, “I love playing in Australia, and I’m really looking forward to starting my 2026 season in Brisbane. It’s the perfect setting for me to build some momentum ahead of the Australian Open.”

She will be keen to take forward the momentum from where she left off in 2025. As the AO looms in 2026, the conversation around Anisimova has subtly shifted. She is no longer framed as a dark horse or a dangerous floater in the draw. She is a real contender - who knows the weight of expectation and has learned how to carry it.

As per former Aussie pro Todd Woodbridge, Amanda Anisimova has a real chance of winning the AO title next year. “That’s definitely on the cards.”

Whether Melbourne becomes the stage for her long-awaited Slam triumph remains to be seen. But one thing feels clear: Anisimova enters 2026 not chasing validation, but armed with conviction. Do you also think she is one of the favorites to win the AO next year, though?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

Know more