“Meme Queen” Amanda Anisimova opened her 2026 US Open campaign with a birthday win and a locker plastered with her own viral moments — sharing the moment with fellow WTA stars and close friends Mirra Andreeva and Daria Kasatkina.
The No. 10 seed turned 25 on Monday, then cruised past Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-3 at Flushing Meadows. Fans at Louis Armstrong Stadium sang “Happy Birthday” during the match, but the party started before she even walked on court.
Mirra Andreeva and Daria Kasatkina decorated Amanda Anisimova’s U.S. Open locker for her birthday.
“Happy Birthday Meme Queen”
Some of her most iconic moments.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 31, 2026
USTA Toasts Anisimova with ‘Meme Queen’ Locker Takeover
The USTA surprised Anisimova by decorating her locker with meme photos and a sign that read “Happy Birthday Meme Queen.” Then, fellow WTA stars Mirra Andreeva and Daria Kasatkina snapped a selfie in front of it.
“Their selfie was really cute,” Anisimova said. “When I saw them taking a picture in front of it, I thought it was really sweet.”
Amanda Anisimova Advances to US Open’s 2nd Round
The WTA meme queen reputation has trailed Anisimova all season. A Dubai racket meltdown went viral earlier this year. Then in Cincinnati, fans thought she was sipping beer between sets. It was actually Red Bull.
“I just can’t help it,” she said of her many on-court expressions. “It’s who I am.”
Up next, Anisimova faces 18-year-old Lilli Tagger in Wednesday’s second round.
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