Days before the 2019 US Open, Amanda Anisimova suffered the most devastating loss of her life.

Anisimova's father and coach, 52-year-old Konstantin Anisimov, died suddenly a week before her 18th birthday on August 31st.

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“It was the worst thing that ever happened to me,” Anisimova told The New York Post of her dad’s passing. “It was very tough.”

The 2019 Roland Garros semifinalist returns to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open knowing competing would make her dad proud.

“As soon as I got back to tennis, it is what made me happy," Anisimova said. "And I know that’s what my dad would want me to be doing. That’s what would make him proud.”

The world No. 24 warmed up for Melbourne battling past former Wimbledon finalist Genie Bouchard to reach the Auckland semifinal where she suffered a 44-minute thrashing to Serena Williams. 

The 21st-seeded Anisimova will face Zarina Diyas in her Australian Open opener.

A year ago, Anisimova arrived in Paris seeking her first major clay-court win. Then she cracked 25 winners toppling defending champion Simona Halep 6-2, 6-4 rolling into her first major semifinal in Paris.

While Anisimova grew up idolizing Maria Sharapova, she revealed another Grand Slam champion—Roger Federer—who gave her advice on adapting to the mental pressures of the pro circuit.

“He’s an amazing person,” she said of Federer. “His story is so inspiring because he controls his emotions basically perfect these days. So he’s someone I really look up to.”

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve