Inside the Dutch guidance fueling Anisimova’s incredible US Open run.
Eighth seed Amanda Anisimova has reached her first US Open final, setting up a blockbuster clash against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The 24-year-old American is chasing her maiden Grand Slam title, just weeks after falling short at Wimbledon. With a 6-3 head-to-head lead over Sabalenka, Anisimova enters the final not only as a challenger but also as a proven threat. She is living a career-defining summer, becoming the youngest U.S. player since Serena and Venus Williams in 2002 to reach finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open in the same season. Guiding her through this remarkable run is coach Hendrik “Rick” Vleeshouwers, who has quickly become a steadying influence in her camp.
Amanda Anisimova becomes the youngest woman to reach the Wimbledon final & the US Open final in the same season since Serena and Venus Williams in 2002.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2025
24 years old.
Unbelievable talent, doing unbelievable things.
🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/cfQoJAvcp7
Anisimova’s main coach is Hendrik Vleeshouwers, a 39-year-old Dutchman who joined her team in mid-2023. Vleeshouwers built his reputation at the Kim Clijsters Academy, where he balanced player development and coaching WTA names like Elise Mertens and Yanina Wickmayer. He continues to work with the Bree Tennis Academy while traveling full-time with Anisimova.
Since teaming up, Vleeshouwers has emphasized toughness and composure in big moments. His courtside intervention during Anisimova’s semifinal against Naomi Osaka at the US Open was a turning point. Down a set and facing a decider second-set tiebreak, the American responded to his blunt pep talk.
Nederlandse coach Rick Vleeshouwers heeft de tijd van zijn leven met Wimbledon-finaliste Amanda Anisimova: ’Af en toe knijp ik even in mijn arm’ https://t.co/MqLQATyT0G pic.twitter.com/Q9oIuOk0fv
— Redactie Telesport (@telesport) July 12, 2025
“Stop being a baby,” Vleeshouwers told her, in what commentator Mary Joe Fernandez described as a necessary “scolding.” Anisimova regrouped, won the breaker, and rode the momentum to victory. Fernandez praised the moment as “exactly what she needed to hear.”
Former German pro Andrea Petkovic echoed the sentiment: “What was so great about it was he is not scared of her. That is the weird dynamic of tennis. The player pays the coach, but here he isn’t impressed by that at all.” The exchange highlighted Vleeshouwers’ ability to cut through pressure and reset his player when it matters most.
Along with Vleehouwers, she is also coached by Rob Brandsma, as per her official WTA page. Though any information regarding her entire entourage is not available in the public domain with the required authenticity.
Amanda Anisimova will be a top 5 player for the first time in her life when the new rankings come out.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2025
Say hello to the new world #4.
Absolutely deserved.
🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/YlhYmyfar8
With history on the line, Anisimova’s faith in her coach will again be tested as she bids to dethrone the defending champion and claim her first major crown.
Mandatory Image Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
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mma I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.
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