By Scoop Malinowski
Status: WTA no. 241. Winner of two WTA singles titles. Career best ranking was 21 in 2019.
DOB: August 31, 2001 In: Freehold, NJ
Ht: 5-11
First Tennis Memory: Is when I would visit my sister practicing. That’s why I got into tennis. And I would try to barge into her practices and play with her even though she was 13 years older. So that’s how I started.
Tennis Inspirations: Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. That’s about it.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: Ah… I definitely met a lot… Because I went to the Miami Open every single year when I was so young. But the most memorable one was when I got an autograph from Maria Sharapova. That one was really special. I think I was around 11, and I was really excited. But I didn’t meet her, just got an autograph on my hat.
Greatest Career Moment: If I had to pick one… probably the semis of French Open still (2019 vs. Barty). That was extremely special to me and kind of like a remarkable experience. Being so young and doing very well. But then I think ever since then when I played Naomi at Australian Open. I think that was also really special because I kind of had a little bit of a downfall after that and I was trying to get back on my feet. And then I started to play really well so I was really happy with myself.
Most Painful Moment: I think the most painful was when I lost, the semis (2019 French). I cried my eyes out for the five hours after that. And I woke up with such puffed eyes and everyone was asking me, Why are you so upset? You just did so well… And I guess, nobody would understand. But, to me, when you have such a big opportunity and I was winning, and like my dream is winning a Grand Slam and I was so close. And losing really hurt. It really stung.
Best You Ever Felt On Court: I would say probably in Australia two years ago. I had a really good pre-season. I was really working hard for the whole year and my results weren’t coming. But I was trusting the process and I knew if I kept working hard, that it was going to pay off. And I had won the small tournament before the Grand Slam and I could feel myself gaining confidence back and kind of, step by step, and then I had a great year after that.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Caramel.
Current Car: A Porsche (black).
Last Book Read: The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo (By Taylor Jenkins Reid) [laughs].
Funny Tennis Memory: Probably playing doubles with Nick Kyrgios. I had a really good time with him on court. (Did you win?) Not really but we did have some tight tiebreakers.
Strangest Match: I didn’t think anything really strange has happened to me during a match but I did break my foot during one of them. (How?) I just fell. And actually it did kind of upset me because I did end up winning the match. And after that, it didn’t become a thing on the internet. And I was really proud of winning a match on a broken foot (Miami Open 2018).
Favorite Artist: In painting, probably Van Gogh.
People Qualities Most Admired: I like people who are humble, genuine and kind… Thank you. Nice to meet you.
Amanda Anisimova · Babolat · French Open · Maria Sharapova · Miami Open · Nike · USA