Amanda Anisimova is all set to compete against Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals at Wimbledon. The American pro attained commendable results at Wimbledon, reaching the finals at Queen’s Club, followed by a quarterfinal run in Berlin and now the top four at Wimbledon.
As she paves her way through the top ranked rivals, her team deserves equal credit for her exploits. Here’s a detailed overview of the world No.12’s coaching team at the ongoing grass court major.
Coach Rick Vleeshouwers
Amanda Anisimova is currently coached by Rick Vleeshouwers, with whom she started working 2024. Before joining the American’s team, he coached Elise Mertens and Yanina Wickmayer, and was on the staff at the Kim Clijsters Academy, followed by a stint at Bree Tennis Academy.
His approach includes immediate match reviews, a strategy adopted from Mertens to plan next-day coaching decisions.
“The first thing I always do is watch the whole match back at the end of the day it was played on,” he told the reporters at Wimbledon.
Unveiling his strategy for major events, he added:
“The most important thing in a Grand Slam is to get through the next match. Y
ou just have to beat your opponent on a particular day. You don’t need to beat the whole draw, you just need to beat the next player.”Vleeshouwers is credited with guiding Anisimova to her first WTA 1000 title in Qatar and a Wimbledon semifinal appearance in 2025.
Shadi Soleymani (Physiotherapist)
Shadi Soleymani has been Amanda Anisimova’s physiotherapist since early 2025. She helped the WTA star stay fit and recover quickly during Wimbledon and other big events.
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Born in Västerås, Sweden in 1989, Soleymani has a history of playing junior tennis and competing in ITF tournaments. She later moved to the U.S. and earned honors at the University of South Dakota, twice named to the All Great West Conference team.
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Rob Brandsma (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Rob Brandsma has been Amanda Anisimova’s strength and conditioning coach since April 2025. With roots as a promising junior player, he transitioned his career to sports science after personal injuries at 17. This was after he earned an economics degree before training in tennis performance. He built his career across Europe and China, then joined elite academies, working with top pros such as Angelique Kerber, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin, Elise Mertens, and juniors.
Brandsma focuses on explosive movement, split-step speed, injury prevention, and integrating mental exercises with data-driven athletic development.
With some highly qualified and experienced members in her team, Amanda also has big hopes on her shoulders as she prepares to face the world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka for the ninth time.
