Anastasia Dmitriyevna Gasanova was born on May 15, 1999, in Saratov, Russia, into a family with a strong tennis pedigree. Her mother, Svetlana, is a tennis coach and played a pivotal role in introducing Anastasia to the sport at the age of three. Gasanova’s early development was shaped by both her mother and, from 2013 onward, by former WTA player Elena Bryukhovets, who remains her coach.
Playing Style and Preferences
Gasanova plays right-handed with a two-handed backhand, a style that has become her signature on the court. She favors hard courts, which suit her aggressive baseline game and resilience during long rallies. Her tenacity and fighting spirit have often been highlighted in marathon matches that test both physical and mental endurance.
Professional Journey and Breakthroughs
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Gasanova turned professional in 2013, making her debut on the ITF Circuit in Astana, Kazakhstan. She quickly made her mark by winning her first ITF title in 2014 at Telavi, Georgia. Over the years, she has accumulated 11 ITF singles titles and 7 ITF doubles titles, showcasing her versatility and consistency at the developmental level of the sport.
Her breakthrough on the WTA Tour came at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Open, where she stunned the tennis world by defeating former world No. 1 Karolína Plíšková in straight sets for her first top-ten victory. This win propelled her into the spotlight and demonstrated her potential to compete at the highest level.
Gasanova’s ability to endure and overcome adversity was further evident at the 2021 St. Petersburg Ladies’ Trophy. There, she reached her first WTA quarterfinal, with her matches against Katarina Zavatska and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova both exceeding three hours and earning recognition among the longest matches of the year. Her victory over Jil Teichmann at the Transylvania Open, where she saved match points and defeated a top-50 player, reinforced her reputation as a fierce competitor who thrives under pressure.
Grand Slam and Rankings
Gasanova made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2022 French Open as a lucky loser but was eliminated in the first round. Her career-high WTA singles ranking is No. 121, achieved in January 2022, while her doubles ranking peaked at No. 224 in June 2023. As of December 2024, she is ranked No. 413 in singles and No. 510 in doubles, reflecting the challenging nature of maintaining a foothold in the highly competitive world of professional tennis.
ITF Circuit Success
Gasanova’s journey through the ITF Circuit has been marked by perseverance and steady progress. She has contested 19 singles finals, winning 11, and reached 20 doubles finals, claiming 7 titles. Her recent successes in 2024, including multiple titles in Monastir, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Sharm El Sheikh, demonstrate her ongoing commitment to climbing back up the rankings and refining her game.
Legacy and Outlook
Anastasia Gasanova’s career is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite setbacks and the fierce competition on the WTA Tour, she continues to fight for every point, drawing on her early training and the support of her family and coaches. Her story is one of gradual ascent, marked by memorable victories and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
As she enters her mid-twenties, Gasanova remains a player to watch, with the potential to break through to higher echelons of the sport. Her journey underscores the depth of talent in Russian tennis and the enduring value of perseverance in professional athletics.