LONDON — American tennis star Amanda Anisimova brought an unexpected dose of family charm to Wimbledon this year when her 4-year-old nephew, Jackson, crashed her post-match interview in an adorable and heartwarming moment that quickly went viral.
The 22-year-old Anisimova, who returned to professional tennis earlier this year after a mental health hiatus, had just secured a hard-fought victory in the first round of Wimbledon when her nephew stole the spotlight. As she sat down for her on-court interview, Jackson—dressed in a miniature tennis outfit—wandered onto the grass and clung to his aunt, prompting laughter from the crowd and a beaming smile from Anisimova.
A Family Affair at Wimbledon
Anisimova, known for her powerful baseline game, has often spoken about the importance of family in her career. Her parents, Konstantin and Olga, have been her biggest supporters, and now, her young nephew has joined the fan club. "He’s my little cheerleader," Anisimova said during the interview, ruffling Jackson’s hair as he grinned at the cameras.
The moment was a refreshing break from the high-pressure environment of Grand Slam tennis. Fans and commentators alike praised the interaction, with many calling it "one of the most wholesome moments of the tournament."
Jackson Steals the Show
As Anisimova tried to answer questions about her match, Jackson playfully tugged at her sleeve and whispered in her ear, leading to an amused pause in the interview. The interviewer, rather than shooing him away, embraced the moment, asking Jackson if he wanted to say hello to the crowd. The shy toddler buried his face in Anisimova’s shoulder, much to the delight of spectators.
Key highlights from the interaction:
- Jackson mimicking his aunt’s tennis strokes with an imaginary racket
- Anisimova laughing as she tried to keep him from wandering off
- The crowd erupting in applause when Jackson waved shyly
Anisimova’s Comeback Journey
The lighthearted moment was particularly poignant given Anisimova’s recent struggles. After taking a break from tennis in 2023 to focus on her mental health, she returned to the sport earlier this year with a renewed perspective. "Tennis isn’t everything," she told reporters in May. "Being happy and surrounded by the people I love is what matters most."
Her family has been a cornerstone of her comeback, with Jackson often seen courtside during her matches. "He doesn’t really understand tennis yet, but he loves clapping when everyone else does," Anisimova joked in a post-match press conference.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The clip of Jackson interrupting the interview quickly spread across social media, with fans and fellow players chiming in. Wimbledon’s official account shared the moment with the caption: "The real MVP of today’s match? Jackson Anisimova."
Other players, including Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, reposted the video with heart emojis, while fans flooded Anisimova’s Instagram with comments like "Protect this kid at all costs!" and "This is the content we needed."
A Bright Moment in a Tough Season
While Anisimova’s Wimbledon run ended in the second round, the memory of her nephew’s cameo will undoubtedly be a highlight of her 2024 season. "It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this sport," she reflected after her exit. "It’s not just about winning—it’s about the joy and connections you make along the way."
As for Jackson, he may have a future in entertainment—or even tennis. When asked if he’d like to play professionally one day, Anisimova laughed and said, "We’ll see. Right now, he’s more interested in stealing my trophies than winning his own."
The heartwarming scene was a reminder of the lighter side of sports, proving that sometimes, the most memorable moments happen off the scoreboard. For Anisimova and her family, Wimbledon 2024 will always be the tournament where a four-year-old upstaged the pros—and won everyone’s hearts in the process.