Anna Danilina Interview: Ad Court Returning, Developing Belief, Lessons from Coaches, & Her Sweet Tooth

Anna Danilina, a 4-time major finalist and 2023 US Open mixed doubles champion, is ranked #6 in the world in doubles. She and Aleksandra Krunic are the #2 team in the 2026 race to the WTA Finals. I spoke with her recently as she prepared for Wimbledon.

We discussed her development over the last several years, mental resets during matches, and how to create belief in yourself. She also shares tactical details you can steal for your own matches, including mixed doubles adjustments and an ad-court return drill that makes big serves feel slower. 

• Her favorite off-court things to do at tournaments
• Influences from watching great champions and what she studies in elite doubles play
• Playing doubles on grass
• Building belief through repetition, preparation, and proof in practice
• College tennis benefits and her time at Florida
• How she decided to focus on doubles full-time after trying to do both
• Why her partnership with Alex clicks and how they approach Grand Slams
• The spontaneous mixed doubles sign-in that led to a US Open title with Harri Heliovaara in 2023
• Ad-court return tips and advice
• What could help pro doubles draw bigger crowds

Anna has become one of the WTA's top doubles players a great one to study. Watch her this week at Wimbledon and throughout the 2026 season!

Learn more about Anna & follow:

• Instagram
• WTA Profile
• Wikipedia

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