Amanda Anisimova splits with coach after inconsistent start to 2026 season

Former Grand Slam finalist has struggled to recapture her 2025 form, leading to coaching change and withdrawal from Charleston Open

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:06pm

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American tennis player Amanda Anisimova, who had a breakout 2025 season reaching multiple Grand Slam finals, has parted ways with her coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers after an inconsistent start to the 2026 campaign. Anisimova has also withdrawn from the upcoming Charleston Open due to a hip injury sustained at the Miami Open.

Why it matters

Anisimova was viewed as an emerging star in 2025 after her Grand Slam success, but the high expectations and pressure that come with that status have led to a dip in form so far this year. Her coaching change and injury withdrawal highlight the challenges young players face in maintaining elite-level consistency on the WTA Tour.

The details

After a standout 2025 season that saw her reach two Grand Slam finals, Anisimova has struggled to replicate that form in 2026. She was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, retired in the first round in Qatar due to illness, and has had mixed results at other recent tournaments. This inconsistency led to her decision to part ways with coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers, who had worked with her for nearly two years. Anisimova has also withdrawn from the upcoming Charleston Open after picking up a hip injury at the Miami Open, opting to focus on recovery instead.

  • Anisimova reached two Grand Slam finals in 2025.
  • Anisimova and Vleeshouwers have worked together for almost two years.
  • Anisimova was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open.
  • Anisimova retired in the first round of the Qatar Open in 2026 due to illness.
  • Anisimova has withdrawn from the 2026 Charleston Open due to a hip injury sustained at the Miami Open.

The players

Amanda Anisimova

A 24-year-old American tennis player who had a breakout 2025 season, reaching two Grand Slam finals, but has struggled with consistency and form so far in 2026.

Hendrik Vleeshouwers

Anisimova's former coach of almost two years, who she has decided to part ways with after her inconsistent start to the 2026 season.

Jessica Pegula

The world number five tennis player who is the top seed at the upcoming Charleston Open that Anisimova has withdrawn from.

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What they’re saying

“'With Anisimova it's amazing how quickly expectations reset. If she is 9-6 at the beginning of last year, it's a pretty good start to the year, based on you not being main draw of Wimbledon the year before. Now, a couple of Slams later, and you want to make that jump to number one, two or three and there is a lack of consistency when you are comparing to six months ago. It all changes a little bit.'”

— Andy Roddick, Former professional tennis player

“'I'm really sorry to have to miss this year's Charleston Open. I picked up an injury at the Miami Open and after taking medical advice, I've made the difficult decision to withdraw and focus on my recovery. I've always loved playing in front of the fans in Charleston, the support there means so much to me. I hope to be back and see you all next year.'”

— Amanda Anisimova

What’s next

Anisimova will focus on recovering from her hip injury and work to regain the form that made her a Grand Slam finalist in 2025. Her next scheduled tournament is the Madrid Open in May.

The takeaway

Anisimova's struggles in 2026 highlight the challenges young players face in maintaining elite-level consistency on the WTA Tour, especially after a breakout season raises expectations. Her coaching change and injury withdrawal show the importance of managing both physical and mental aspects of the game at the highest level.