Amanda Anisimova Rises to World No. 3
By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, January 5, 2026
Photo credit: Fred Lee/Getty
Less than a week into the new season, Amanda Anisimova has hit a new high.
Wimbledon and US Open finalist rises to a career-high No. 3 in the WTA rankings today.
Beijing champion Anisimova surpasses compatriot Coco Gauff to take over as world No. 3 trailing only top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, who beat her in the US Open final, and No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who dished the American a double bagel defeat in the Wimbledon final.
It’s been an impressive rankings rise for Anisimova, who took time off from tennis to treat mental health issues. Anisimova finished the 2023 season ranked No. 359. She’s ridden her flat strikes and ballistic backhand to win 23 of her last 29 matches in 2025.
Anisimova cites self-belief as the biggest reason for her surge.
“I think last year I was able to be very consistent because of the self-belief that I kind of instilled in myself, trusting my abilities and being capable to last through a two- or three-week-long tournament, which can be very tough,” Anisimova said. “I think I kind of doubted myself in previous situations that I was in maybe, say, a few years ago. Last year, despite whatever challenges or obstacles I had, I still trusted
myself and told myself I can get past the finish line.
“I think that was kind of the biggest change. And the more I put myself in those situations, the more that I trust myself. So I think, yeah, I have had a lot of those experiences last year that going into this year, I just feel very strong and, yeah, I really believe in myself.”
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