Amanda Anisimova, 17-Year-Old American Tennis Star, Withdraws from US Open 2019 after Father’s Sudden Demise
Amanda Anisimova upset defending champion Simona Halep in the French Open quarterfinals to make her maiden Grand Slam semi-final appearance. She, however, was beaten by eventual winner Ash Barty in the final four stage. Amanda was knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon.
Teenage Tennis star Amanda Anisimova has pulled out of the upcoming US Open following the death of her father, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed on Tuesday. The 17-year-old American was coached by her Russian-born father Konstantin Anisimov, who played an instrumental role in his daughter’s advance to the French Open semi-finals in June, earlier this year. Anisimova is ranked 24th by the WTA and has made rapid progress having begun in 2019 as world number 94. Details regarding her father and coach’s sudden demise are still unknown. US Open 2018 Top Moments: Alize Cornet’s Shirt Change Controversy to Serena Williams’ Meltdown to Roger Federer’s Unforgettable Shot.
The WTA sent its “deepest condolences” to the teenage Tennis player when confirming the news of her father’s death on Twitter. Fellow players, including compatriot and fellow teenager Coco Gauff and Maria Sharapova, also offered their condolences on hearing the news. Anisimova has recently been out of action with a back injury but was aiming to make her comeback in the final Grand Slam of the year. Andy Murray to Skip US Open 2019 Doubles to Focus on Singles.
Amanda Anisimova Withdraws From US Open
Compatriot Cori "Coco" Gauff Offers Condolences
Maria Sharapova Reacts
Anisimova upset defending champion Simona Halep in the French Open quarterfinals to make her maiden Grand Slam semi-final appearance. She, however, was beaten by eventual winner Ash Barty in the final four stage. Amanda was knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon before she injured herself in the Silicon Valley Classic semis. The teenager also missed the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters owing to her back injury.
Meanwhile, the 2019 US Open main event kicks off next week on August 26 (Monday). The final Grand Slam of the year will be played at the Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York. Novak Djokovic is the defending champion in the men’s category, while Naomi Osaka is the current winner in the women’s draw.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2019 11:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).