Key Highlights:
- Break for Burnout: Amanda Anisimova took an eight-month hiatus from professional tennis in 2023 to address severe burnout and mental health concerns.
- Remarkable Revival: In a stunning 2025 season, she surged to World No. 4, reaching the finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open and securing two WTA 1000 titles.
- Grace in Defeat: Despite a crushing 6-0, 6-0 loss in the Wimbledon final, Anisimova’s heartfelt and graceful post-match speech earned widespread admiration from fans and peers.
- Advocacy for Athletes: She now uses her platform to advise young athletes on the dangers of burnout, urging them to listen to their bodies and not feel pressured to say yes to every demand.
The Breaking Point and The Comeback
Once a teen prodigy who reached the French Open semi-finals at just 17, Amanda Anisimova made the shocking decision to step away from the sport in 2023. Citing crippling burnout and mental health struggles, she chose to prioritize her well-being over the relentless grind of the professional tour—a courageous move that has since paid off spectacularly.
Today, the 24-year-old American is a force to be reckoned with. Her 2025 season has been nothing short of brilliant, marked by a career-high ranking of World No. 4, appearances in two Grand Slam finals, and her debut at the prestigious WTA Finals.
A New Mental Approach
Reflecting on her incredible year, Anisimova credits her changed mindset. “I would say the mindset that I go into tournaments and matches with. I think that’s been the most important thing for me this year,” she told the Guardian. “It helps, obviously, when I’m done with the tournament, being able to look back and tell myself I’ve done everything I can. And I’m proud of the way I competed and carried myself on the court.”
Turning Crushing Defeat into Unstoppable Strength
Anisimova’s newfound resilience was put to the ultimate test at the Wimbledon final, where she suffered a devastating 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek. In a moment of gut-wrenching defeat, she addressed the crowd with a tearful, yet poised, speech that resonated with millions.
Her character drew praise from her peers, including World No. 7 Madison Keys. “I thought she did it with such grace, she handled it so well,” Keys said. “I know being in that position, it’s such a heartbreaking situation… I was incredibly impressed by.”
What happened next was even more impressive. Just 53 days later, Anisimova faced Swiatek again in the US Open quarter-finals and flipped the script, defeating the Polish star en route to the final. Though she fell to Aryna Sabalenka in the New York final, she rebounded weeks later to win the WTA 1000 title in Beijing.
A Powerful Message of Authenticity
Anisimova, who lost her father just before her 18th birthday, draws strength from her life experiences and the “very strong women” she surrounds herself with. She now warns upcoming athletes about the pressures that can lead to burnout.
“I think it’s really important to let girls know, or boys, to make the right decisions for yourself and listen to yourself and not try and say yes to everything,” she advises. “That can really lead to burnout.”
Since returning, she has received countless messages from people inspired by her journey. By sharing her vulnerability, Anisimova has shown that true strength lies in honesty and authenticity. “You can be vulnerable and that’s OK,” she says. “And I think that’s kind of been the most important thing for me this year is to just really be myself and speak honestly and freely.”
Image Referance: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/03/from-burnout-to-brilliance-amanda-anisimova-on-how-honesty-sparked-her-remarkable-revival