Once struggling with the “unbearable” pressure of professional tennis, Amanda Anisimova has made an incredible comeback, reaching her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.
An Unforgettable Semifinal Win
Amanda Anisimova secured her spot in the Wimbledon final after a thrilling three-set victory over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The match, lasting 157 grueling minutes, showcased powerful hitting from both players under steamy conditions.
Anisimova displayed incredible resilience, bouncing back after Sabalenka took the second set and broke her in the decider. Her aggressive, attack-first style and crucial backhand angles ultimately proved decisive against the top-ranked player.
From Prodigy to Pause
Anisimova’s talent was evident early on. She won the junior US Open at 16 and reached the French Open semifinals at just 17, becoming the youngest player to reach a major semifinal since 2007. However, her promising career faced significant hurdles.
Just months after her breakthrough at Roland Garros, she had to withdraw from her home Major due to the tragic death of her father. This profound loss deeply affected her, what she described as “the worst thing that ever happened to me.”
By May 2023, the pressure became too much, leading her to announce an indefinite break from tennis. She openly shared her struggles with mental health and burnout, stating that being at tournaments had become “unbearable.”
A Refreshing Break and Return
During her time away, Anisimova focused on her well-being, exploring art, selling paintings for charity, and traveling with friends. This period allowed her to step away from the demanding tennis grind and live life at her own pace.
She described it as a much-needed reset, gaining back energy and happiness. “I slowed my life down and that’s something that I really needed,” she told WTA upon her return.
Anisimova returned to the tour in January 2024, feeling refreshed and rediscovering her love for the sport. This renewed perspective seems to have fueled her remarkable performance at Wimbledon.
A Champion’s Mindset
Her recent victory over Sabalenka highlighted this transformation. Always known for her aggressive play, Anisimova matched her opponent’s intensity, consistently hitting deep and going for winners early in rallies. Her powerful backhand consistently found sharp angles, frustrating Sabalenka repeatedly.
According to Opta, Anisimova is only the second player in the Open Era to reach a Women’s Singles final at a Grand Slam after losing in qualifying at the previous year’s event. Her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
- Amanda Anisimova reached her first Grand Slam final after taking an indefinite mental health break from tennis in May 2023.
- She upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a challenging three-set semifinal at Wimbledon.
- Her journey highlights resilience, overcoming personal tragedy and burnout to return to top-level competition.
Anisimova’s incredible comeback story, from “unbearable” pressure to an “indescribable” Grand Slam final, marks her as a true winner, regardless of the final outcome.
