Momentum in tennis can be fragile — and sometimes even a successful partnership does not survive a shift in direction.
Amanda Anisimova has announced that she has parted ways with coach Rick Vleeshouwers, bringing an end to a collaboration that helped propel her back into the sport’s elite over the past year.
A partnership built on rapid success
Vleeshouwers played a central role in one of the most impressive resurgences on the WTA Tour.
Joining Anisimova at the start of the 2024 grass season, the Dutch coach quickly helped stabilise her game and unlock consistent results. The early signs were immediate: a run to her first WTA 1000 final in Cincinnati, where she finished runner-up to Jessica Pegula.
From there, the trajectory only rose.
Anisimova went on to claim the Qatar Open title, confirming her return to the top tier and validating the work done behind the scenes. Her progress carried into the biggest stages of the sport, where she began to match expectation with delivery.
Grand Slam breakthrough and season-defining moments
The partnership reached its peak at Wimbledon.
Anisimova surged into her first Grand Slam final, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals — a statement win that underlined her growing authority. The final itself proved one-sided, as she was overpowered by Iga Swiatek, but the run marked a defining step in her career.
She responded with resilience.
At the US Open, Anisimova mounted another deep run, avenging that Wimbledon defeat against Swiatek en route to the final before falling to Sabalenka. She closed out the season with a strong showing at the WTA Finals, advancing through a demanding group stage before exiting in the semi-finals.
It was a year that re-established her among the very best — and one closely tied to the influence of Vleeshouwers.
2026 struggles reshape the picture
This season, however, has not followed the same upward curve.
Despite beginning the year ranked as high as world No. 3, Anisimova has struggled to build momentum. An early exit in Brisbane set the tone, followed by a quarter-final run at the Australian Open that once again ended against Pegula.
Her title defence in Doha ended abruptly with a first-round retirement, while a stronger run in Dubai — reaching the semi-finals — was again halted by Pegula. During the Sunshine Swing, two round-of-16 exits left her short of the deeper runs expected at this stage.
The contrast with her 2025 consistency has been notable — and appears to have influenced the decision to part ways.
A respectful farewell and uncertain next step
Anisimova confirmed the split via social media, sharing a heartfelt message alongside photos of the pair.
“It’s been quite a ride and journey together,” she wrote. “The past year holds so many special memories and achievements that I will never forget. We lifted trophies and reached incredible milestones, but I’ll cherish all the laughs and moments behind the scenes even more.”
She also emphasised the personal dimension of their partnership.
“Thank you, Rick, for everything you’ve done for me — for seeing and treating me as a person first before an athlete. That meant the world to me and made our partnership so special. Your dedication, loyalty and passion are undeniable.”
There is no immediate indication of who will step into the role next.
Timing crucial as clay season begins
The timing of the split adds another layer of intrigue.
With the clay season underway, Anisimova faces a key stretch of the calendar without a confirmed coaching structure. She is expected to remain in the United States for now, including an appearance at the Charleston Open, contrary to Emma Navarro, before transitioning to the European swing.
After a year defined by breakthroughs, the next phase will be about recalibration — both in results and in direction.