'Unspeakably sad': Young tennis star's tragic news days before US Open
Rising American teenager Amanda Anisimova has withdrawn from the US Open following the death of her father.
ESPN reported that the teenager's father and longtime coach Konstantin Anisimov, passed away on the eve of the year's final grand slam.
The cause of death was unknown.
Konstantin and wife Olga moved to the States from Russia in 1998 and under his guidance the 17-year-old rose up the WTA ranks.
Devastated fans have posted heartfelt condolences to Anisimova on social media.
I am heartbroken for Amanda, Olga, Maria and the entire Anisimova family. The worst kind of news to have to report.https://t.co/90aS9cg4Dx
— Alyssa Roenigk (@alyroe) August 20, 2019
I recently spent time with Amanda and her mom for a feature that is running in the penultimate issue of ESPN The Magazine. It is my final print piece for the magazine and it was a pleasure to report and write. Thinking about Amanda's life then and her life today is gut wrenching.
— Alyssa Roenigk (@alyroe) August 20, 2019
It's unspeakably sad. Not the news you want to break. Unreal.
— Tennis.Life (@tennislifenews) August 20, 2019
Awful news. RIP Mr Anisimova
— Claire⭐SE (@claire88cairns) August 20, 2019
Shocked to hear Anisimova news. May she find strength. Such a tragedy for a 17yo. 😞
— Ashish (@ashishjena94) August 20, 2019
I just heard the news about Amanda Anisimova's father. May he RIP. My condolences to the family.
— Savannah (@SavannahsTennis) August 20, 2019
The world No.24 and 2017 US Open junior champion looked to be a danger in Flushing Meadows after she upset defending French Open champion Simona Halep to reach the semi-finals of that tournament earlier this year.
With agencies