Amanda Anisimova expects warm NJ welcome home: 'They're my loudest fans'
The first-ever tennis event held in the Prudential Center will showcase the talent of a Jersey Shore born star going against a fellow high-class athlete.
Freehold Township-born Amanda Anisimova, 24, will go up against Jessica Pegula in a matchup of recent US Open finalists on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the “A Racquet at The Rock” event. Though Anisimova lived most of her life in Florida, she was a Jersey girl before moving to the Sunshine State at the age of 3. The 2025 Wimbledon finalist is a bit excited to play in front of her mom (Olga), family and friends who plan on attending.
“(I) haven’t been back since I was little but I know the people are great because every time I travel and play tournaments there are fans from New Jersey,” Anisimova said. “I always have the best support from those people and I feel like they’re my loudest fans so I feel like that’s super nice. I also know, ’cause everyone always tells me that Bruce Springsteen, the singer, is from there too, where I was born. So that’s a fun fact.”
She currently holds a career-high No. 4 singles ranking in the world and has won three WTA Tour titles. Her first rise to wide notoriety was at the 2018 Indian Wells Open when she scored her first top 10 victory at age 16, against Petra Kvitová.
When asked if she has any favorite food or fun spots in the Garden State, she was honest.
“I have no idea,” Anisimova said. “I’m hoping someone from there is going to give me recommendations, I’ll be there for a few days. But yeah, if anyone has any recommendations on where to go or fun things to do, I would love that.”
The event will start at 5:30 p.m., starting with top juniors, East Brunswick’s Ronit Karki and Jack Kennedy, facing off. Tickets are available https://www.prucenter.com/events/a-racquet-at-the-rock. Being that it’s the first tennis event held in the Prudential Center’s history of over 18 years, Anisimova said the opportunity means a lot to her.
“I’m super excited,” Anisimova said. “I heard it’s an incredible venue so I’m looking forward to it. Also, the lineup is great for the matches. It’s going to be Carlos (Alcaraz), Francis (Tiafoe), Jess and I so I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun. For the time to host a tennis event and to be a part of that is really special.”
Coached by Rob Brandsma and Rick Vleeshouwers, her idols growing up were Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. As far as the match itself, Anisimova is aiming to put on a show and have fun.
“She’s a fellow American so of course I know her very well,” she said. “I’m just very happy another American is going to be alongside me competing and just having fun. She’s a great girl. She’s fun off the court so I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Amanda Anisimova returns to NJ for first Prudential Center tennis event
