Amanda Anisimova Triumphs After Mental Health Break, Reaches WTA Finals

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Amanda Anisimova, the 24-year-old American tennis player, has made a remarkable comeback after stepping away from the tour in 2023 to focus on her mental health. This season, she has reached both the Wimbledon and US Open finals, marking a significant turnaround in her career.

Following an eight-month hiatus due to burnout, Anisimova returned to the sport with a new mindset. “The mindset that I go into tournaments and matches with has been the most important thing for me this year,” she told The Guardian at the WTA Finals. Today, she holds the No. 4 spot in the world rankings, emphasizing her renewed focus on mental well-being.

Anisimova’s strength was visibly evident during the Wimbledon finals in July, where she fought hard against Iga Swiatek but ultimately lost. Despite the defeat, her post-match speech touched many. “I thought she did it with such grace,” remarked world No. 7 Madison Keys, who was also competing in Riyadh.

Just 53 days after her Wimbledon loss, Anisimova faced Swiatek again at the US Open. This time, she emerged victorious, further solidifying her comeback narrative. “I had to work on myself mentally,” Anisimova reflected. “Everything kind of came naturally to me,” she added about her preparation for subsequent matches.

Throughout her career, Anisimova has navigated challenges beyond tennis. She lost her father, Konstantin, a week before her 18th birthday. Drawing strength from her life’s experiences, Anisimova advocates for young athletes to prioritize their mental health and make career decisions that resonate with them. “I would say that the younger girls on tour right now are doing a great job of balancing that,” she said.

With a supportive team around her, Anisimova has found joy in both tennis and life. She participated in activities such as dune-bashing in the Saudi desert with her team, demonstrating her commitment to fun alongside competition. “It’s important to have the right people around you,” she noted.

Anisimova hopes to inspire others through her journey, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability. “You can be vulnerable, and that’s OK,” she said. Her message resonates with many fans and fellow athletes who admire her authenticity and resilience.

As she competes in the WTA Finals for the first time, Anisimova stands as a strong example of the balance between competition and self-care.