Amanda Anisimova, the 23-year-old American tennis star and Nike’s $100 million athlete, has returned to the sport after an eight-month mental health break that led her to step away from tennis at the end of the 2023 WTA Tour season.
Anisimova, currently ranked No. 35 in the world, has faced ongoing struggles related to mental health and body-shaming, issues that contributed to her decision to take time off.
The pressure of being considered American tennis’ “next big star” proved overwhelming, and she made the decision to open up publicly about her struggles in 2023.
In an Instagram post, Anisimova shared her experience, stating, “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022.
It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time.”
Anisimova’s return to tennis comes with visible changes, including a transformation of her signature blonde look. She arrived at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open after a period of personal growth, aiming to regain her focus and well-being.
While her break was difficult, Anisimova’s decision to publicly address her challenges has sparked conversations about mental health and the pressures faced by athletes at the highest levels.
