Amanda Anisimova had a fairytale year in 2025, and one that almost everyone on the WTA Tour would have been envious of.
After all, reaching two Grand Slam finals marked a huge triumph for the American, even if she did lose them both.
It marked a monumental step forward for her after so many years of hardship. She had earned this success.
The way in which she went about building this standout campaign was slow, meticulous and hugely successful. Emma Raducanu will be hoping she can mimic this path.
How Emma Raducanu can copy Amanda Anisimova
And, there is scope to believe that she can follow in Amanda Anisimova’s footsteps, particularly with the similarities they both share.
In terms of game style, there are many points of likeness. Chief among them are their superior backhands, with the two-time major finalist widely regarded as boasting the best in the game.
What does Emma Raducanu need to improve in 2026?
However, Raducanu’s is also fierce, and when given the opportunity, her cross-court effort on that wing can be devastating.
Another similarity they share is their respective career paths, with Anisimova reaching the semi-finals of the French Open in 2019 as a teenager before suffering under the pressure that magical run brought.
Then, just last year, she changed coaches to an established alternative, just as Raducanu has with Francisco Roig. This came after Anisimova took a break from the sport, citing burnout and fears over her mental health.
Raducanu’s injury struggles have routinely forced her to take similar breaks, and after a steady year of progression, similar to Anisimova’s in 2024, she could now be ready to explode in 2026 and establish herself amongst the game’s elite.
Emma Raducanu would love to copy Amanda Anisimova’s 2025
If Roig helps to navigate Raducanu to a year even half as good as the one Anisimova has just enjoyed, then their partnership will have to be deemed a success.
After all, she now sits fourth in the world rankings, a career-high given she finished 2024 31st.
This mesmeric rise was aided by those aforementioned finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as a Masters 1000 title in Doha.
How likely is it that Emma Raducanu wins another Grand Slam, and why?
At the very least, Raducanu will be desperate to add another title of any description to her cabinet, to join her fairytale win in New York.
Raducanu has already made the perfect decision to start her 2026 season. Hopefully, it will breed further success.
