Amanda Anisimova, the American tennis star known for her powerful groundstrokes and fearless approach on court, has found an unexpected boost to her career through an exciting partnership with Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca at the Miami Invitational. Their mixed doubles appearance in March 2026, though technically an exhibition, has sparked not only a surge in her popularity but also a newfound enthusiasm for doubles competition.
It was a match that drew plenty of eyes: Anisimova and Fonseca squaring off against the formidable pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Jessica Pegula. The Miami Invitational, always a highlight on the tennis calendar for its star-studded lineups and festive atmosphere, provided the perfect stage. Although Anisimova and Fonseca ultimately lost the high-profile mixed doubles clash, the experience proved invaluable in ways that extended far beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on her time alongside Fonseca, Anisimova spoke candidly to Tennis Channel about the positive impact the partnership has had on her career. "Yeah, that was a lot of fun. I feel like I gained a lot of Brazilian fans because I played with Joao for the mixed doubles, so it was a lot of fun," she shared. The American, who has long been a favorite among U.S. supporters, now finds herself embraced by a vibrant Brazilian fanbase thanks to Fonseca's meteoric rise in the sport and his immense popularity in his home country.
The Miami Invitational match was more than just an exhibition. For Anisimova, it was a chance to reconnect with the energy of a packed stadium and to enjoy the unique camaraderie that mixed doubles brings. "And yeah, I feel like that was very recent. So I had a bit of those memories playing on the stadium. Yeah, hopefully they have that event again because I love playing here at this venue. It’s so much fun," she said, emphasizing her affection for the Miami setting and the hope that the mixed doubles showcase will become a recurring feature.
While Anisimova has often focused on singles throughout her career, the recent foray into mixed doubles seems to have ignited a new passion. She openly admitted, "Yeah, I love playing mixed doubles. I know I normally do not play a lot of doubles, but I’m getting more comfortable with it, getting more used to it. But yeah, it’s always a lot of fun." Her remarks suggest a shift in mindset, hinting that fans can expect to see her pairing up more frequently in the near future.
This is not the first time Anisimova has dipped her toes into the mixed doubles waters. Her last official appearance in the format came at the 2025 US Open, where she teamed up with Danish star Holger Rune. The duo made a solid run, reaching the round of 16 before bowing out to the American pair of Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend in straight sets, 4-2, 5-4. Despite the loss, the match underscored both the promise and the learning curve that comes with adapting to the nuances of doubles play.
For Anisimova, each new partnership and match is a step forward in building her doubles acumen. Her growing comfort is evident, and the enjoyment she derives from these experiences is palpable. The Miami Invitational, in particular, seems to have left a lasting impression, not only because of the on-court action but also due to the expanded support she now enjoys from fans across continents.
Joao Fonseca, her partner in the Miami exhibition, has been making waves of his own. The Brazilian teenager's rapid ascent in the tennis world has captured the imagination of fans back home and abroad. Pairing with Anisimova, Fonseca brought a surge of Brazilian enthusiasm to the event, and the chemistry between the two players was evident from the first ball. The match against Alcaraz and Pegula, while ultimately ending in defeat, was played in great spirits and showcased the fun, fast-paced nature of mixed doubles.
For the American, the experience was more than just about tennis. It was about embracing new challenges, connecting with fans, and building bridges between different tennis cultures. The crossover appeal of partnering with Fonseca has clearly paid dividends, especially in expanding her reach to Brazilian supporters who might not have followed her career as closely before.
Looking back at her mixed doubles journey, Anisimova's attitude is refreshingly open. She acknowledges that doubles is not her primary focus but expresses genuine excitement about the prospect of playing more often. Her willingness to adapt and try new things is a testament to her competitive spirit and love for the game. As she puts it, "I’m getting more comfortable with it, getting more used to it. But yeah, it’s always a lot of fun."
The Miami Invitational itself has become a testing ground for such innovative pairings and formats. The event's willingness to spotlight mixed doubles and bring together top talent from both the men's and women's tours has been widely praised. For fans, it's a rare treat to see stars like Anisimova, Fonseca, Alcaraz, and Pegula sharing the same court, mixing up the traditional rivalries and alliances in pursuit of entertainment and high-level tennis.
While the result of the exhibition might not have counted toward official rankings, the significance of the moment was not lost on those in attendance—or on Anisimova herself. The match served as a reminder of the power of sport to unite people across borders and backgrounds, and of the joy that comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone.
As for what comes next, Anisimova has made it clear that she's eager for more. With her confidence in doubles growing and a new legion of fans cheering her on, the future looks bright. Whether it's at the Miami Invitational or another marquee event, the tennis world will be watching to see how this chapter of her career unfolds.
For now, Amanda Anisimova can savor the memories of a memorable partnership, a packed stadium, and the knowledge that sometimes, the biggest wins come off the scoreboard.