After a challenging month of rehabilitation, World No. 6 Amanda Anisimova is reportedly “locked in” and back on the practice courts, signaling a major boost for American tennis fans ahead of the clay-court peak. The 24-year-old, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 earlier this season, has been out of competitive action since late March after sustaining a frustrating injury during the Miami Open.
A Calculated Comeback
Anisimova’s absence from the tour has been a test of patience. The injury forced her to withdraw from both the Charleston Open and the Madrid Open, two crucial stops in the spring clay swing. During her time away, Anisimova reportedly turned to advanced recovery methods, including hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, to accelerate tissue regeneration. Her recent social media updates showing high-intensity training sessions suggest that the “off-court work” is paying off, and she is finally finding her rhythm again just in time for the Italian Open.
The Rome Test
The wait for her return is nearly over. Anisimova is scheduled to make her official competitive comeback tomorrow, **May 7**, at the Foro Italico in Rome. She is set to face the formidable Jelena Ostapenko in a blockbuster Round of 64 clash at the Nicola Pietrangeli Stadium. For Anisimova, who holds an 11–6 record for the 2026 season, this match is a vital opportunity to shake off match rust and regain the consistency that saw her reach two Grand Slam finals in 2025.
Eyes on the Parisian Clay
Beyond Rome, the primary objective is Roland Garros. As the current U.S. No. 1, Anisimova enters the final stretch of the clay season with significant ranking points to defend. Her “locked-in” mindset off the court has been essential for maintaining physical fitness while sidelined, and coach Dawn Staley—who has been a vocal supporter of Anisimova’s resilience—noted that “mental sharpness” will be her greatest asset in the weeks ahead. If she can navigate the physical demands of the Italian Open, she remains a heavy favorite to make a deep run in Paris.