Amanda Anisimova explains how Serena Williams has inspired the next generation of American players

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Serena Williams propped up American tennis for two decades in a difficult period for the once-tennis behemoth.

Williams won 23 Grand Slams in a period where the men’s game was faltering after the retirements of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.

Williams was far and away the most successful American player in the men’s or women’s game during her career.

Amanda Anisimova, one of America’s biggest hopes in the current era, has revealed just how influential Williams was to the current crop of players.

Amanda Anisimova calls Serena Williams an ‘inspiration’

Speaking at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Amanda Anisimova was asked how much of an influence Williams has been on the new American breed on the WTA Tour.

Anisimova currently occupies a place in the top 10 of the rankings alongside Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula.

“I feel like Serena was such an icon and a legend. To be able to try to follow in her footsteps, obviously that’s almost impossible to be able to achieve for the majority of us,” said Anisimova.

“But it is the goal. It is that motivation. I think she’s been an inspiration to each one of us Americans as well as everyone else from other countries. Yeah, I feel like we’re all doing really well.”

Anisimova even believes the next generation, including Iva Jovic, has been inspired by the American great.

“You also have a lot of youngsters coming in like Iva Jovic, who are performing well. Their attitude is great,” she said.

“It’s really good to see. I feel like there’s a really good group of us right now that’s really strong. Yeah, it’s really exciting.”

Jovic enjoyed a breakthrough tournament at the Australian Open this term, where she reached the quarter-finals.

Who will Amanda Anisimova play in Dubai?

With Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka withdrawing from the event, Anisimova is the second seed in Dubai.

The American is just behind Elena Rybakina and she will be considered one of the strong favourites to lift the trophy.

The star has received a first round thanks to her seeding, but she’s still faced with a tough second round test at the event.

The star will play former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková, who has qualified for the event thanks to a protected ranking.

Anisimova has also been drawn in the same section of the draw as Mirra Andreeva, Victoria Mboko, and Leylah Fernandez.