Experience Déjà Vu as Anisimova’s 2025 Season Mirrors Paolini’s Breakout Year
Amanda Anisimova Eyes WTA Finals Spot with Beijing Showdown
A Season of Rediscovery for Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova’s 2025 season has been marked by a significant resurgence, reaching the finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open. This remarkable comeback has revitalized her career, resembling the potential she showed as one of tennis’s most promising young talents. With a pivotal victory over Jasmine Paolini on Thursday in Beijing, Anisimova can secure her place at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Parallels Between Anisimova and Paolini
Interestingly, Anisimova’s 2025 journey mirrors Jasmine Paolini’s breakthrough in 2024. The Italian made waves with her impressive performances, reaching the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finals, followed by her debut at the season-ending championships. Although their stories differ, both athletes have demonstrated remarkable consistency and tenacity, leveraging sustained results to affirm their positions in the sport’s elite.
Achieving Milestones at WTA 1000 Tournaments
For both Anisimova and Paolini, turning points came at the WTA 1000 events. Paolini’s momentum was fueled by reaching the Cincinnati quarterfinals in late 2023 and claiming a WTA 1000 title in Dubai to kick off 2024. Similarly, Anisimova’s progress included a runner-up finish in Canada last summer and clinching her first WTA 1000 title in Doha this February, overcoming two former Grand Slam champions in the process.
Triumphs in Back-to-Back Grand Slam Finals
Both players have reached consecutive Grand Slam finals. In 2024, Paolini’s breakout at Roland Garros saw her defeat two Grand Slam champions and rising star Mirra Andreeva before falling to Iga Swiatek in the final. She followed up with another impressive run to the Wimbledon final but was edged out by Barbora Krejcikova. Anisimova broke through at Wimbledon this year, only to face Swiatek in the final. She then reached the US Open final, defeating top-tier players like Swiatek and Naomi Osaka.
Strikingly Similar Statistics
Their seasons reveal nearly identical statistical achievements:
| Category | Paolini 2024 | Anisimova 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Career-high ranking achieved | No. 4 | No. 4* |
| Overall record | 40-21 | 43-17* |
| Top 5 wins | 2 | 3* |
| Semifinals reached | 4 | 5* |
| Return points won | 45.4% | 45.4%* |
*As of Oct. 1, 2025
The Path Ahead: A Glimpse into Future Triumphs
Jasmine Paolini, despite not completely replicating her 2024 highs, has maintained an impressive form. Her accolades include another WTA 1000 title in Rome, finals appearance in Cincinnati, and a semifinal in Madrid. She also achieved her first Grand Slam title in doubles at Roland Garros, sweeping both draws in Rome and adding a WTA 1000 crown in Doha.
Anisimova, on the other hand, has the potential to surpass Paolini’s achievements by claiming a second WTA 1000 title within a single season. For this, she will face none other than Paolini herself. This thrilling competition promises to captivate tennis fans as both players strive to cement their legacy in the sport’s elite tournaments.
