Amanda Anisimova, currently ranked 12th in women’s tennis, has made an astonishing run to the Wimbledon final by defeating top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. Anisimova will face No. 8 Iga Swiatek on Saturday, and her victory could secure her first Grand Slam title.
This moment is particularly remarkable considering Anisimova’s recent struggles with mental health, which led her to step away from the sport just two years ago. She openly discussed her challenges, expressing feelings of burnout and the need to prioritize her well-being. In a heartfelt social media post on May 5, 2023, she noted, “It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments… My priority is my mental well-being,” signaling a pivotal moment in her career.
After an early exit in the 2023 Madrid Open, Anisimova realized she needed a break and announced an indefinite leave from tennis. This decision surprised many, especially given her previous success, which included reaching the semifinals of the French Open in 2019 and defeating notable players like Simona Halep and Naomi Osaka.
During her time away, Anisimova discovered new passions, such as art, to help cope with her mental health struggles. “It was special to me… It was nice to have a few interests outside of tennis,” she shared with Olympics.com.
Anisimova made her competitive return at the Auckland Open in January 2024 and has demonstrated impressive resilience, steadily climbing back up the rankings. Her notable achievements include reaching the quarterfinals at the Washington Open, where she defeated Sloane Stephens, and claiming her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open in February. She also made it to the final of the Queen’s Club Championships, eventually earning a spot in the top 20 of the WTA rankings for the first time since her break.
Her journey culminated in the semifinal victory at Wimbledon, where she expressed disbelief at her rapid ascent back to elite competition. “It’s been a year’s turnaround. To be in the final is just indescribable, honestly,” Anisimova noted.
Reflecting on her comeback, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health, stating, “Just me being able to prove that you can get back to the top if you prioritize yourself has been incredibly special to me.” This positive message resonates in a world where mental wellness is increasingly recognized as vital to success.
As Anisimova prepares for the final, her story stands as an inspiring testament to resilience and self-care, highlighting that adversity can lead to personal and professional growth.