Amanda Anisimova, a name once synonymous with burgeoning tennis stardom, is making waves again at Wimbledon. After a period marked by personal tragedy and fluctuating form, the 23-year-old American has reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal in three years. But this resurgence isn’t solely attributed to her undeniable talent; a significant part of her success is down to the invaluable support and expertise of her physiotherapist, Shadi Soleymani.
Soleymani, who joined Anisimova’s team earlier this year, has rapidly become an indispensable figure, addressing not just physical ailments but also serving as a sleep expert, nutritionist, and confidante. This holistic approach focuses on optimizing Anisimova’s overall well-being, paving the way for improved performance on the court. This article delves into how Soleymani’s comprehensive care has revitalized Anisimova’s career, highlighting the critical role of a dedicated support system in elite sports.
We’ll explore the specific strategies Soleymani implemented to combat Anisimova’s recurring injuries and enhance her physical resilience. We’ll also discuss how dietary adjustments, sleep optimization, and mental support have collectively contributed to Anisimova’s impressive run at Wimbledon. Finally, we’ll examine the broader implications of Soleymani’s approach, emphasizing the importance of personalized and comprehensive athlete care in achieving peak performance.
Anisimova’s Journey and the Challenges She Faced
Amanda Anisimova burst onto the tennis scene as a teenager, showcasing immense potential with her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style. At just 17, she reached the semifinals of the French Open, hinting at a future filled with Grand Slam titles. However, tragedy struck when her father and coach, Konstantin, passed away unexpectedly, derailing her promising career.
In the years that followed, Anisimova struggled to regain her form and motivation. Grief, coupled with recurring hip and back injuries, led to inconsistent performances and a noticeable decline in her ranking. She openly discussed her struggles with burnout, taking a hiatus from the sport to address her mental and physical health. Upon her return to the tour, Anisimova faced the daunting task of rebuilding her game and overcoming the physical limitations that had plagued her.
Prior to Wimbledon, Anisimova’s 2025 season had been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with injury setbacks. Despite reaching a final in Toronto the previous year, she struggled with consistency, often succumbing to soreness and early-round exits. This cycle of injury, rest, and reinjury prevented her from building the stamina and strength required to compete at the highest level. It was during this challenging period that Shadi Soleymani joined her team, offering a new perspective and a tailored approach to athlete care.
According to Anisimova, “I started working with Shadi this year, She’s been a huge addition to my team.” This sentiment underscores the significant impact Soleymani has had in a relatively short time. By addressing the root causes of Anisimova’s physical vulnerabilities and providing comprehensive support, Soleymani has helped her break free from the cycle of injury and rediscover her love for the game.
Shadi Soleymani’s Holistic Approach to Athlete Care
Shadi Soleymani’s approach to physiotherapy extends far beyond traditional treatments. Trained as a chiropractor with a focus on biomechanics, she possesses a deep understanding of the intricate connections between the body’s structure and its function. This expertise allows her to identify and address the underlying causes of Anisimova’s injuries, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Soleymani’s role encompasses various aspects of Anisimova’s well-being. She serves as a masseuse, sleep expert, and nutritionist, tailoring her recommendations to Anisimova’s specific needs and preferences. She meticulously assesses Anisimova’s physical condition before each training session, providing valuable insights to her strength and tennis coaches. This collaborative approach ensures that Anisimova’s training regimen is optimized to prevent injury and maximize performance. As Soleymani stated, “I’m on her like a mom.”
One of Soleymani’s key contributions has been to identify and correct imbalances in Anisimova’s body. Through targeted massage treatments and flexibility exercises, she has worked to break down scar tissue and improve the range of motion in Anisimova’s left side, which bears the brunt of the impact from her serve and backhand. By addressing these physical limitations, Soleymani has helped Anisimova move more freely and efficiently on the court, reducing her risk of injury and enhancing her overall performance.
Furthermore, Soleymani emphasizes the importance of nutrition and sleep in athletic recovery. She encouraged Anisimova to increase her intake of nutrient-rich foods, such as dark vegetables and lean proteins, while also limiting her caffeine consumption to improve sleep quality. These adjustments have helped Anisimova maintain her energy levels throughout grueling matches and recover more effectively between training sessions.
The Importance of Physical Assessment and Targeted Treatment
Soleymani’s expertise as a chiropractor with a focus on biomechanics has been crucial in identifying and addressing the root causes of Anisimova’s physical issues. Her initial assessment involved a thorough examination of Anisimova’s body, paying particular attention to areas of weakness, scar tissue, and limited flexibility. This comprehensive evaluation revealed that Anisimova’s left side was particularly vulnerable due to the repetitive stress of serving and hitting open-stance backhands.
Through targeted massage treatments and flexibility exercises, Soleymani has worked to break down scar tissue, improve muscle function, and restore balance to Anisimova’s body. These interventions have not only alleviated pain but have also enhanced Anisimova’s range of motion and movement efficiency on the court. Soleymani’s emphasis on addressing the underlying causes of Anisimova’s injuries has been instrumental in preventing recurring problems and promoting long-term health.
Soleymani also serves as a “chief of staff” for Anisimova’s body, coordinating with her fitness coach and tennis coach to design a holistic training program. By monitoring Anisimova’s physical condition on a daily basis, Soleymani can provide valuable insights into her readiness for training and competition. This collaborative approach ensures that Anisimova’s training regimen is tailored to her individual needs and is adjusted based on her menstrual cycle, maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing the risk of injury.
According to Soleymani, “The stronger you are, the less injury-prone you get.” This philosophy underscores her commitment to building Anisimova’s physical resilience through targeted strength and conditioning exercises. By strengthening the muscles surrounding her previously injured areas, Soleymani has helped Anisimova withstand the physical demands of professional tennis and maintain her performance throughout long tournaments.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Adjustments for Optimal Performance
Soleymani recognized that Anisimova’s predominantly vegan diet, while healthy in many respects, was not providing her with the optimal fuel for high-performance tennis. She encouraged Anisimova to incorporate more protein-rich foods, such as fish and chicken, into her diet to support muscle repair and energy production. This adjustment, coupled with an increased intake of dark vegetables, helped Anisimova sustain her energy levels throughout demanding training sessions and matches.
Soleymani also addressed Anisimova’s caffeine consumption, advising her to avoid coffee after 6 p.m. to improve her sleep quality. Caffeine can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to restlessness and fatigue. By limiting her caffeine intake, Anisimova has been able to sleep more soundly, allowing her body to recover more effectively and wake up feeling refreshed.
These nutritional and lifestyle adjustments have had a profound impact on Anisimova’s overall well-being and athletic performance. By providing her body with the optimal fuel and rest, Soleymani has helped Anisimova maintain her energy levels, improve her focus, and enhance her recovery between matches. These subtle but significant changes have contributed to Anisimova’s improved consistency and resilience on the court.
Anisimova noted, “Everything is centered on my tennis and how I can prepare the best that I can and recover from my matches. Maybe a few years ago, I wasn’t doing it quite to that extent. Everything was also pretty new to me.” This quote highlights Anisimova’s newfound commitment to prioritizing her health and fitness, thanks to Soleymani’s guidance and support.
Building Mental Fortitude and Confidence
Beyond the physical aspects, Soleymani has also played a crucial role in bolstering Anisimova’s mental fortitude and confidence. As a “friendly sounding board,” she provides Anisimova with a safe space to discuss her challenges and anxieties. This emotional support is particularly valuable in the high-pressure world of professional tennis, where athletes often face intense scrutiny and self-doubt.
Soleymani’s presence as a female ally in a predominantly male environment has also been beneficial for Anisimova. She provides a unique perspective and understanding, helping Anisimova navigate the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sport. This sense of camaraderie and support has fostered a stronger sense of self-belief in Anisimova, empowering her to overcome obstacles and perform at her best.
Soleymani’s reassurance and guidance have been particularly evident in Anisimova’s decision-making regarding tournament schedules. After reaching the final at Queen’s on June 15, Anisimova hesitated to play another tournament in Berlin the following week, fearing potential injury. However, Soleymani evaluated her condition and reassured her that she was physically capable of competing. This confidence boost allowed Anisimova to continue playing without hesitation, ultimately contributing to her success at Wimbledon.
Soleymani said, “I told her, ‘You’re going to be fine,’ I got you.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the trust and support that Soleymani provides to Anisimova. By instilling confidence in Anisimova’s physical capabilities, Soleymani has empowered her to embrace challenges and perform at her peak, regardless of the circumstances.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Success
Amanda Anisimova’s resurgence at Wimbledon is a testament to the transformative power of holistic athlete care. Shadi Soleymani’s comprehensive approach, encompassing physical assessment, targeted treatment, nutritional adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and mental support, has been instrumental in Anisimova’s improved performance and overall well-being.
By addressing the root causes of Anisimova’s physical vulnerabilities and providing her with the optimal fuel and rest, Soleymani has helped her overcome recurring injuries and maintain her energy levels throughout grueling matches. Her role as a “chief of staff” for Anisimova’s body, coordinating with her fitness coach and tennis coach, has ensured that her training regimen is tailored to her individual needs and is adjusted based on her menstrual cycle, maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing the risk of injury.
Beyond the physical aspects, Soleymani’s support and guidance have bolstered Anisimova’s mental fortitude and confidence. As a “friendly sounding board” and a female ally in a predominantly male environment, she has provided Anisimova with a safe space to discuss her challenges and anxieties, empowering her to overcome obstacles and perform at her best. With Soleymani’s help, things are different: “I found this new perspective and sense of fighting for everything and embracing the challenges. Maybe I didn’t do it back then quite like I do it now.”
Anisimova’s success story serves as a reminder of the importance of personalized and comprehensive athlete care in achieving peak performance. By recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, Soleymani has unlocked Anisimova’s full potential, paving the way for a bright future on and off the court.
Leave a Reply