Amanda Anisimova reveals the sport she tried other than tennis, ‘it was just too painful’

Amanda Anisimova has tried her hand at more sports than just tennis.

Anisimova has been an exciting talent on the WTA Tour from a young age, having reached the semifinals of the French Open at just 17 years old.

After taking an eight month break from the sport in May 2023, Anisimova enjoyed her best season yet in 2025 after reaching her first two Grand Slam finals.

World number six Anisimova recently spoke about her admiration for Alysia Liu, but it is actually a summer Olympic sport that she once tried other than tennis.

Amanda Anisimova admits she tried rhythmic gymnastics

Anisimova is currently at home in the States for the sunshine double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

At Indian Wells, Anisimova thrashed Emma Raducanu, but her run was abruptly ended in the fourth round by Canadian teenage star Victoria Mboko.

During her time at Indian Wells this year, Anisimova spoke to Overtime Tennis, who asked the Wimbledon finalist for a random fact about herself.

Anisimova responded by revealing that she once tried rhythmic gymnastics, but ended up stopping to prioritise tennis.

“I did rhythmic gymnastics for three months,” said Anisimova. “Very short-lived…I was too busy with tennis and they would like sit on my shoulders to get me to get into a split and it was just too painful.”

Who is Amanda Anisimova playing at the Miami Open?

Anisimova will be hoping for a better result at the Miami Open, where she has only won five of her 11 previous matches and has never surpassed the fourth round.

After receiving a bye to the second round, Anisimova will play former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic.

The first seeded player Anisimova could play is Spaniard Cristina Bucsa, who she beat in their only previous meeting.

Some of the other threats in Anisimova’s half of the draw include Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva.

After losing to Mboko at Indian Wells, Anisimova will likely be pleased that she can not face the Canadian again unless they both reach the semifinals.

Anisimova is scheduled to play her opening match at the Miami Open against Tomljanovic on Friday, March 20.