NEW YORK — In tennis as in life, there are moments to push forward and moments to step back. Amanda Anisimova’s path this year embodies both ideas. The Wimbledon runner-up and the No. 8 seed at the US Open has shown how resilience can fuel a remarkable recovery.
The 21-year-old former prodigy disclosed in April 2023 that burnout had become overwhelming, prompting an indefinite break from the tour. She wrote on social media that it had become unbearable to be at tennis tournaments. After returning to competition in 2024, Anisimova started the year ranked No. 373 and has since climbed back to the cusp of the top 10, reaching No. 7 by July.
On Tuesday, the 5-foot-11 American faced Kimberley Burrell, who sits at No. 87, in the first round and cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 victory. It was a convincing start for a player who has already etched a notable comeback in a short span.
“I thought it was pretty good,” Anisimova said after the match. “I mean, I feel like I could have played better, but it wasn’t bad, either.”
In brief, the resurgence of Anisimova—from a difficult burnout pause to a return that has her back in the conversation at a major—highlights both the challenges and the rewards of balancing elite sport with mental health. Her steady climb back to the top ranks offers encouragement to peers and fans alike that taking time to reset can coexist with a strong on-court ascent.
Additional notes:
– Anisimova’s journey reinforces ongoing conversations about athlete mental health and sustains optimism for a continued, competitive phase of her career.
– If she maintains this level, she could become a compelling case study in the broader discussion of resilience in professional tennis.