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 tournamentsInfluences from watching great champions and what she studies in elite doubles playPlaying doubles on grassBuilding belief through repetition, preparation, and proof in practiceCollege tennis benefits and her time at FloridaHow she decided to focus on doubles full-time after trying to do bothWhy her partnership with Alex clicks and how they approach Grand SlamsThe spontaneous mixed doubles sign-in that led to a US Open title with Harri Heliovaara in 2023Ad-court return tips and adviceWhat could help pro doubles draw bigger crowdsAnna 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:InstagramWTA ProfileWikipedia -----**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.Learn More & Sign Up Here**Other Free Doubles Content**Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course