Amanda Anisimova Reveals the Real Reason for Withdrawing From WTA Abu Dhabi 2021

In a piece of heartbreaking news ahead of the 2021 Australian Open, Amanda Anisimova has tested positive for COVID-19. The World No 30. was scheduled to compete at the WTA Abu Dhabi Open, which is currently underway.

Amanda Anisimova tests positive

Anisimova uploaded an Instagram post to express her disappointment over the news with the caption, “I want to play,” including some crying emojis. In the comments, Anisimova confirmed to a fan that she withdrew from the Abu Dhabi Open because she contracted the coronavirus.

The situation casts doubts over Anisimova’s chances of competing at the Australian Open. As per the government health authorities, players will touchdown Melbourne in mid-January and then quarantine for two weeks with their entourage. However, the players will be allowed to train for five hours each day during the quarantine period.

At the last year’s Australian Open, Anisimova lost in the first round to Zarina Diyas. Subsequently, the young American made it to the third round of the French Open and the US Open. Anisimova’s best result in the 2020 season was making it to the semifinals of the WTA Auckland Open, where she defeated Kateryna Kozlova, Daria Kasatkina, and Eugenie Bouchard en route to the penultimate stage.

The 19-year-old’s best Grand Slam performance came at the 2019 Roland Garros. She reached the semifinals and became the youngest semifinalist at the tournament in over a decade. In the same year, Anisimova won her first WTA title at the Copa Colsanitas and reached her career-high ranking of No.21.

With just a month left for the Australian Open, it remains to be seen whether Anisimova can make the last cut to Melbourne Park.