American tennis star Amanda Anisimova has made a powerful comeback after taking a mental health break and pausing her tennis career to attend college. In 2025, she defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to reach the Wimbledon finals, marking a significant step in her rise, as she currently holds the world No. 12 ranking. This resurgence has been fueled by her decision to prioritize her well-being and explore new interests outside the sport.

Amanda Anisimova’s Initial Breakthroughs and Early Success

Anisimova first gained major attention in 2018 when she secured a top-10 win against Petra Kvitová at the Indian Wells Open. Her trajectory continued upward as she competed at the 2019 Australian Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka, then ranked No. 11 globally. That same year, she captured her first professional title at the Copa Colsanitas tournament, signaling her potential as an elite competitor on the world stage. Despite these milestones, Anisimova eventually decided to step away from professional tennis to address mounting mental health challenges.

Taking Time Off to Recharge and Pursue Personal Interests

In May 2023, Anisimova halted her tennis career due to burnout and mental health concerns. During this break, she devoted time to various personal pursuits, including her passion for art. She enrolled at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, attending both in-person and online classes for a semester to deepen her engagement with creative endeavors. Her artistic efforts also translated into supporting charitable causes, as she sold original paintings and donated proceeds to organizations like Feeding America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Preventing Child Abuse America.

Finding Balance and Growth Away from Tennis

Reflecting on her artistic outlet during her time off, Anisimova told Olympics.com:

“I picked that hobby up when I was struggling with my mental health. It was definitely something that I really enjoyed off the court, for a few hours to reset my mind and put something creative into the world. I was really enjoying that and doing the charity stuff when I was taking a break from tennis.” —Amanda Anisimova, Tennis Player

Her break lasted approximately eight months following a loss at the 2023 Madrid Open, after which she returned to competition at the start of 2024.

Challenges and Progress on Her Return to Competitive Tennis

Amanda Anisimova has openly described the transition back to high-level tennis as a complex journey involving both setbacks and victories. Speaking with CNN, she shared:

“Yeah, I feel like that really served me, definitely. Coming out of that break, it wasn’t all upward. There were definitely some ups and downs coming out of it and getting used to the lifestyle and just being an athlete at this level. It’s not easy. I definitely had to find my way back, really work on the fitness side, and definitely get in my hours of training. Yeah, I mean, it’s been a journey. I feel like since last summer, it’s really trended upwards for me. I finally found my game and my confidence.” —Amanda Anisimova, Tennis Player

This renewed focus and confidence were on full display as she advanced to the Wimbledon 2025 finals. Her next opponent will be either Belinda Bencic or Iga Świątek in the championship match scheduled for July 12.

Significance of Anisimova’s Mental Health Hiatus and Future Prospects

Amanda Anisimova’s decision to step back from professional tennis to prioritize mental health and personal growth highlights a crucial trend among athletes who face intense pressure and burnout. Her journey underlines that taking time away can lead to lasting improvements in performance and well-being. As she continues competing on the global stage, her story serves as a beacon for others balancing mental health with competitive ambition.

Moving forward, Anisimova appears poised to sustain her upward momentum in the tennis world, fueled by a renewed sense of confidence and purpose developed during her break. Her upcoming Wimbledon final will not only test her skills but also showcase the strength she gained by embracing self-care and off-court passions.