Amanda Anisimova marked her 25th birthday with a commanding victory at the 2026 US Open, advancing into the tournament’s second round with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Ashlyn Krueger at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The No. 10 seed’s performance was celebrated not only for the scoreline but also for the festive atmosphere surrounding her special day.
Before the match even began, Anisimova’s locker was transformed into a tribute to her playful persona as the “Meme Queen.” The USTA orchestrated the surprise by decorating her space with iconic images capturing some of her most viral and memorable moments on tour. A prominent sign wishing her a “Happy Birthday Meme Queen” adorned the locker, setting a lighthearted tone for her day.
The gesture caught the attention of Anisimova’s fellow competitors and friends, including WTA stars Mirra Andreeva and Daria Kasatkina, who celebrated alongside her by taking a selfie in front of the decorated locker. Anisimova expressed her appreciation for the warm gesture, describing their photo moment as “really sweet.”
Birthday Cheers and On-Court Success
Fans at the stadium joined in the celebrations, serenading Anisimova with “Happy Birthday” during the match, enhancing the spirited atmosphere of her opening-round encounter. Despite the birthday festivities, the American-born player maintained her focus, delivering a solid and efficient performance to secure her place in the next round of the Grand Slam event.
This combination of personal celebration and professional achievement highlighted a memorable day for Anisimova, who embraced both the fun and competitive sides of her sport as she embarked on her 2026 US Open journey.