Tennis fans were left stunned when Amanda Anisimova and Mirra Andreeva, who faced a highly charged match in Miami earlier this year, appeared all smiles together at a fan event in Beijing ahead of their China Open campaigns.
The American and Russian tennis stars posed for photos alongside Karen Khachanov during the Nike Tennis Stars Shine ‘Just Do It Challenge,’ signaling a surprising thaw in their relationship. The friendly interaction immediately captured the attention of fans, many of whom expressed disbelief at the reconciliation.
Why Was Amanda Anisimova and Mirra Andreeva’s Miami Encounter So Controversial?
Earlier this season, Anisimova ended Andreeva’s 13-match winning streak in the third round of the Miami Open, defeating her 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-3. The Russian had been riding a hot streak, winning back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells.
Tensions flared in the deciding set when Anisimova requested a medical timeout at 3-1, 40-40 during Andreeva’s service game, citing a blister on her right middle finger. Though within the rules, the Russian saw the timing as a tactic to break her momentum.
“Of course, she has a right and of course, she’s going to do it right now. We all know why,” Andreeva said, visibly irritated, after the umpire confirmed the timeout was legitimate.
Anisimova later posted about the injury on her Instagram Story, captioning it sarcastically with, “We all know why,” a jab referencing Andreeva’s own physio visits earlier in the match, which had disrupted the flow due to stomach pain and breathing difficulties.
How Did Fans React to Anisimova and Andreeva’s Friendly Turn in Beijing?
Fast-forward to September 2025, and the rivalry appears to have taken a surprisingly friendly turn. During the Nike Tennis Stars Shine event in Beijing, both players were photographed smiling together alongside Khachanov.
kkkk🤗 https://t.co/EnXcYgdkjZ pic.twitter.com/kUCtj4S1H2
— szymon (@iloveanisimova) September 23, 2025
Fans were quick to react. “Amanda forgives Mirra for that comment in the beginning of the year!” one fan wrote.
Amanda forgives Mirra for that comment in the beginning of the year! 🫶🏾
— LeDerius (@LeDerius) September 23, 2025
Another added, “I wasn’t expecting this to happen so soon🤯.”
I wasn’t expecting this to happen so soon🤯
— Amanda Anisimova❤️🔥 (@amandaanis92849) September 23, 2025
A playful observer suggested, “Perfect opportunity for Mirra and Amanda to kiss and make up just saying 🤝😂.”
Even memories of the infamous Miami moment were referenced, with a fan remarking, “You will be always remembered icon,” alluding to Anisimova’s middle finger blister story.
Anisimova and Andreeva will make their third main draw appearance at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing. Third-seeded Anisimova received a bye into the second round, where she will take on either Katie Boulter or Hailey Baptiste. Fourth-seeded Andreeva also received a bye and will take on either Moyuka Uchijima or Zhu Lin in the second round.
