Amanda Anisimova received a unique birthday surprise at the U.S. Open this year, as fellow tennis players Daria Kasatkina and Mirra Andreeva decorated her locker with viral photos that have become internet memes.
Kasatkina and Andreeva placed several humorous images of Anisimova on her locker, accompanied by a sign that read, "HBD Meme Queen." The American player, who turned 25 on Monday, shared a video of the surprise on her Instagram story, reacting with amusement. "Dead," she wrote in her post.
Anisimova, known for her expressive on-court reactions, acknowledged that the memes, often capturing moments of frustration or questioning, have become entertaining to her. "I definitely see them. They’re very entertaining and very funny," Anisimova said during media availability ahead of the tournament. "I didn’t always think that, because I’ve definitely always been very expressive, and an emotional player and make all kinds of faces that I didn’t even know my face could possibly make."
She recalled being mortified by similar photos of herself at 17 during the French Open but has since come to appreciate the humor. "Now I’m able to find them entertaining and hilarious. But at the time when I was a teenager I really thought that was quite awful," she added.
One of the viral moments that contributed to her "meme queen" status involved her drinking a beverage from a clear cup during a match at the Cincinnati Open. The drink, which baffled commentators, was later confirmed to be a Red Bull. It is speculated that the ATP and WTA tours require players to use cups for branded beverages rather than drinking directly from cans.
Anisimova, who reached the U.S. Open final last year, is set to begin her tournament campaign against fellow American Ashlyn Krueger. Her performance this year has included early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. She will be looking to replicate her success in Queens and make another deep run in the tournament.