World No. 6 Amanda Anisimova has stepped away from the upcoming Charleston Open, choosing recovery over competition after sustaining an injury during her recent Miami Open campaign.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment in her season, as the American continues to balance top-10 consistency with physical demands and off-court transitions. In a candid message to fans, Anisimova made it clear the choice was not easy, but necessary.
Why Did Amanda Anisimova Withdraw From the Charleston Open?
The 2026 season had been shaping up as another strong stretch for Anisimova, who entered the Sunshine Double with momentum and maintained her elite standing despite falling short of the latter stages. At the Miami Open, she reached the round of 16 with wins over Ajla Tomljanovic, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4, and Yuliia Starodubtseva, 6-4, 6-2.
Her run ended against No. 12 seed Belinda Bencic in straight sets, capping a solid showing that mirrored her fourth-round finish at Indian Wells. While she did not reach a semifinal or final, her consistent results ensured she remained firmly inside the top 10.
However, the physical toll of back-to-back deep runs became evident. Shortly after Miami, Anisimova confirmed her withdrawal from the Charleston Open, where she had been projected as the No. 2 seed.
Explaining her decision, she said in an official statement:
“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.”
She also emphasized her connection with the tournament and its fans, adding:
“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.”
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The announcement followed another major development: her split from longtime coach Rick Vleeshouwers. Their partnership, which began in 2024, helped elevate her to a career-high ranking of No. 3 and included back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2025.
In her social media statement, Anisimova praised him for treating her as a “human first, before an athlete,” while Vleeshouwers reflected on their shared milestones, including two WTA 1000 titles.
This break allows her a window to recalibrate and find a new coaching structure before the clay-court season continues at the Madrid Open on April 21.
