Former Roger Federer coach Paul Annacone believes the next Grand Slam breakthrough in women’s tennis could belong to Amanda Anisimova rather than Elena Rybakina. After watching Anisimova put together the most complete season of her career in 2025, Annacone has openly backed the American to take the final step in 2026.
Amanda Anisimova Tipped for 2026 Grand Slam Glory by Roger Federer’s Former Coach
Anisimova had a breakthrough 2025 season, establishing herself among the WTA elite. She won two WTA 1000 titles, in Doha and Beijing, the most significant trophies of her career, and reached two Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, finishing as runner-up on both occasions.
Across the season, Anisimova posted a strong 47-18 win-loss record, recorded multiple top-10 victories, and showed consistency on all surfaces. Her results fueled a rapid rise in the rankings, from outside the top 20 to a career-high World No. 4 by September 2025.
Financially, it was her most lucrative year, with more than $7 million in prize money earned. She capped the season by qualifying for the WTA Finals for the first time, reaching the semifinals on her debut.
It is that combination of growth and reliability that has caught Annacone’s attention. In an interview with tennis.com, the veteran coach was asked whether either Rybakina or Anisimova was likely to capture a Grand Slam title in the 2026 season. Annacone praised not just Anisimova’s results, but the trajectory behind them.
“I have loved what we’ve seen from Amanda Anisimova. I think she is knocking on the door, and she is my vote for a major victory next year,” he said.
Looking at Elena Rybakina’s 2025 Campaign
Rybakina enjoyed a strong 2025 season, marked by a powerful finish and a return to consistent winning form. She closed the year ranked World No. 5, reflecting a steady climb during the second half of the season after fluctuating just outside the top five earlier in the year.
READ MORE: Amanda Anisimova Reacts After WTA Reveals Who Received the Coach of the Year Award
Rybakina captured three singles titles in 2025. Her standout triumph came at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she went unbeaten and defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim the biggest title of her career and the largest single-event payday in women’s tennis. Earlier in the year, she won the Internationaux de Strasbourg on clay and added another trophy at the Ningbo Open in China.
Across the season, she compiled a 59-19 win-loss record, regularly defeating top-10 opponents and finishing the year with one of the strongest late-season runs on tour. While she did not reach a Grand Slam final, Rybakina consistently made the second week at the majors. Financially, 2025 was her most lucrative year yet. She earned more than $8 million in prize money, with a substantial portion coming from her victory at the WTA Finals.
