Amanda Anisimova split from her coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers after the Miami Open.
Under Vleeshouwers’ guidance, Anisimova enjoyed a career-best year in 2025, reaching two Grand Slam finals and winning two WTA 1000 titles.
But after a slightly underwhelming start to 2026, Anisimova and Vleeshouwers decided to part ways.
Who should Amanda Anisimova hire as her next coach?
Let us know in the comments below!
During the latest episode of ‘Love All‘, Kim Clijsters suggested who may replace Vleeshouwers.
Kim Clijsters names Wim Fissette as a potential coach for Amanda Anisimova
“We will see what will happen, maybe Wim [Fissette] or somebody could be the next step for Amanda [Anisimova],” said Clijsters.
“There are a lot of good coaches out there, we will see!”
Clijsters’ fellow Belgian, Fissette, left Iga Swiatek’s team recently, despite coaching her to the 2025 Wimbledon title.
The move would make a lot of sense if Fissette wants an immediate return to coaching.
Clijsters also took time to share her thoughts on Vleeshouwers, a coach she knows well.
“I always said, I think I would really have enjoyed having him on the sideline, because he’s somebody who makes you feel like you’re the only player for him,” said Clijsters.
“The confidence that he gives you, and he is… he lives for his player, during those times that he works with you.
“I think that’s a great skill, and he’s very passionate about his job and doing everything you need to do to have the best results.
“I do think that he came into Amanda’s career at the perfect time, to help her build confidence as a player, but also outside, because it’s connected.”
Amanda Anisimova’s notable results with Hendrik Vleeshouwers
- 2025 Qatar Open champion
- 2025 China Open champion
- 2025 Wimbledon finalist
- 2025 US Open finalist
- 2024 Canadian Open finalist
- 2025 Queen’s finalist
- 2025 WTA Finals semi-finalist
- 12 top-10 wins
- First win over world number one (vs Aryna Sabalenka – Wimbledon 2025)
Clijsters shared the message she sent to Vleeshouwers upon hearing the news of his split from Anisimova.
“I actually texted him when I read the news, texted him about how great of a ride they had together,” she said.
“They ended everything on a good note, with a lot of respect for each other, and gratitude for what they achieved together, and we will see where that will take him.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion believes Vleeshouwers could join forces with an 18-year-old prospect.
“I know we have a young Belgian, Jeline Vandromme, who won the US Open last year, who is a great player, who is looking for a coach,” said Clijsters.
“She did hit with him in my academy too, so that might be a little pair up, coming up.”
Vandromme was an impressive junior and currently sits 260th in the world rankings.
If Vleeshouwers were to join her team, he could use his experience to guide her towards the top 100.
When will Amanda Anisimova return?
We don’t know who Anisimova will return with, but do we know when she will come back to the WTA Tour?
Simply put, yes, at least we think so…
Anisimova recently pulled out of the Charleston Open, delaying the start to her clay-court season.
She’s also missing from the Stuttgart Open entry list, meaning fans of the American will likely have to wait until the Madrid Open to see her back in action.
Anisimova hasn’t won a match at the Madrid Open since 2022, a record she’ll be desperate to improve upon this time around.
For now, though, Anisimova will continue her search for a new coach and her preparations for the clay season.
The 2026 Madrid Open is scheduled to begin on April 20.
