Anisimova Reunites with Former Coach Vleeshouwers Ahead of Crucial Season Stretch
American tennis sensation Amanda Anisimova has reportedly rekindled her professional alliance with former coach Hendrick Vleeshouwers. This move, observed during her training sessions in Florida, signals a strategic effort to regain her championship form for the critical upcoming season. Their previous collaboration in 2025 marked a career-best for Anisimova, underscoring the significance of this renewed partnership.
A Familiar Partnership Rekindled for a Pivotal Period
In July 2026, American tennis professional Amanda Anisimova was observed training in Florida with Dutch coach Hendrick Vleeshouwers. This sighting, shared by former player Nick Saviano from his academy, strongly indicates a reunion between the two. The timing is particularly crucial for Anisimova, who is now 24, as she gears up for a demanding summer schedule. The previous year, 2025, saw Anisimova reach two Grand Slam finals and secure two WTA 1000 titles, elevating her to a career-high world No. 3 ranking by early 2026. However, the current year, 2026, has proven more challenging, with her ranking dropping to world No. 9 and her position in the WTA Race falling to No. 19.
The successful collaboration between Anisimova and Vleeshouwers concluded in March of the current year. At the time of their separation, Anisimova expressed gratitude for their shared journey, acknowledging the numerous special moments and achievements, including tournament victories and significant milestones. Vleeshouwers reciprocated with an equally heartfelt message, emphasizing the strong bond they shared beyond the competitive results and wishing her continued success. After their split, Vleeshouwers had a brief, unsuccessful trial period with French player Loïs Boisson, whose season was hampered by injuries and a series of losses. With the North American swing on the horizon, Anisimova is set to commence her hard-court campaign at the Canadian Open. As the eighth seed, she will strive to surpass her fourth-round performance from 2025. This period is vital for Anisimova to defend the substantial ranking points she earned last season, which included a memorable run to the US Open final and a WTA 1000 title at the China Open in October. Her past achievements solidified her status among the sport's rising stars, but they also bring considerable pressure to perform in the latter half of 2026. A robust showing in the North American tournaments is essential for her to maintain a top-tier ranking and remain a formidable contender at Flushing Meadows. With Vleeshouwers potentially back in her coaching team, Anisimova harbors hopes of recapturing the unwavering confidence and consistent performance that characterized her breakthrough 2025 season.
The return of Vleeshouwers to Anisimova's corner signifies more than just a coaching change; it represents a deliberate effort to reclaim past glory and stabilize her career trajectory. This development highlights the intricate dynamics of professional tennis, where the right partnership can unlock a player's full potential. For Anisimova, this reunion could be the catalyst needed to navigate the pressures of defending crucial points and to reassert her dominance on the WTA Tour, reminding us that sometimes, the best path forward is a return to what once worked so well.