Amanda Anisimova recently discussed her eight-month break from professional tennis, taken to focus on her mental health. The 23-year-old American has made an impressive comeback at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, advancing to the women’s singles semifinals amid her strong run.
Following her quarterfinal win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at the grass-court Major, Anisimova spoke with ESPN’s Chris Evert and Chris McKendry about why she decided to return to the WTA Tour. Her hiatus began in May 2023 and ended in January 2024 when she resumed competition at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
“I always knew deep down that no matter how long I was gonna take off, I was gonna come back to the tour. I still felt like there were so many things I wanted to achieve in the sport. Winning a Slam is definitely one of them, and I didn’t wanna walk away so early after sacrificing so much of my life and working so hard,” Anisimova said.
“Once I came back, I found this new passion for it. I feel like it’s a passion I didn’t feel back then or maybe when I was a teenager. Every win is that much more special now,” she added.
Mental Health Awareness in Professional Tennis
Currently ranked No. 12 in the WTA, Anisimova underscored the challenges athletes face regarding mental well-being and praised the importance of openly discussing these issues, especially given the stigma surrounding mental health. She also shared how the life of a professional tennis player can feel isolating due to constant travel and demanding schedules.
“I feel like just me being honest and vulnerable about a topic that might be a bit stigmatized in a way, I think that was super important.. and for other people to have a different outlook or perspective on, you can struggle with your mental health. It’s just as important as your physical health. Especially when it comes to sports and pursuing this as a career. The lifestyle can be different if you don’t find that right balance. It can get lonely at times,” Anisimova continued.
Balancing Life and Enjoying Tennis On and Off the Court
In the same conversation, Anisimova emphasized that professional tennis players must find joy both during their matches and in their personal lives. She recognized that the increasing awareness of mental health concerns has led teams supporting players to adopt better approaches for maintaining athletes’ happiness and well-being.
“We’ve seen a lot of players struggle with that. It’s a super important thing. I think a lot of teams are starting to understand what it takes to create more happiness in the players lives. I’ve seen a lot of teams doing a great job with their players. It’s important to have fun on and off the court,” Amanda Anisimova concluded.
Upcoming Semifinal Clash at Wimbledon Against Aryna Sabalenka
Anisimova will face Aryna Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, in the Wimbledon semifinals. The American holds a strong head-to-head record against Sabalenka, having won five of their eight previous meetings. Despite this, Sabalenka won their most recent encounter at the French Open earlier in the year, adding intensity to their forthcoming showdown.
Anisimova’s ability to return after her Amanda Anisimova mental health break and perform at such a high level demonstrates her resilience and determination. Her progress at Wimbledon not only highlights her renewed passion for tennis but also shines a light on the growing importance of mental health awareness in professional sports. The match against Sabalenka will be closely watched as both players vie for a spot in the championship match, marking a significant moment in Anisimova’s comeback journey.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Amanda Anisimova take a break?
A. When she was deeply depressed and found the pressures of tennis overwhelming, the 23-year-old decided to completely step away from the game two years ago.