In recent seasons, fans have been asking the same question: Why did Amanda Anisimova step away from tennis? Once one of the brightest young stars on the WTA Tour, Anisimova’s sudden decision to pause her professional career surprised the tennis world. Her choice highlights the growing conversation about mental health, pressure, and balance in modern sports.

Early Promise and Rapid Rise

Amanda Anisimova’s talent was clear from an early age. Born in New Jersey to Russian parents, she made history as one of the youngest Americans to reach a Grand Slam semifinal when she advanced to the final four of the 2019 French Open at just 17 years old.

With her aggressive baseline play, clean ball-striking, and maturity on court, Anisimova was widely regarded as a future Grand Slam champion. She quickly climbed into the top 30 of the WTA rankings and became a consistent presence at major tournaments.

The Weight of Expectations

However, the rapid rise came with intense pressure. Like many young athletes, Anisimova faced the challenge of constant travel, performance expectations, and media scrutiny. In interviews, she often spoke about how difficult it was to maintain balance and find joy in the game while navigating the demands of the tour.

By early 2023, Anisimova began to struggle with motivation and mental fatigue. The physical grind of the WTA schedule, combined with emotional stress, led her to take a step back to focus on her well-being.

Anisimova’s Statement and Reaction from Fans

In May 2023, Anisimova shared a heartfelt message on social media, explaining that she needed to take a break to prioritize her mental health. She wrote that tennis had become “unbearable at times” and that she no longer felt mentally prepared to compete at the highest level.

The response from the tennis community was overwhelmingly supportive. Fans, fellow players, and commentators praised her honesty and courage in speaking publicly about mental health, a topic that is often overlooked in professional sports.

The Broader Conversation: Mental Health in Tennis

Amanda Anisimova’s decision echoed similar moves by athletes such as Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty, who also stepped away from the sport to focus on personal well-being. Her break became part of a larger discussion about how the structure of professional tennis can affect young players, particularly in an era of constant online exposure.

Experts have since called for the WTA and ATP to provide more mental health resources and scheduling flexibility to help players avoid burnout.

Will Amanda Anisimova Return to Tennis?

As of 2025, Anisimova has not confirmed an official return date. Reports suggest she has resumed light training and remains in close contact with coaches and fitness staff. While she has expressed her love for the sport, she has emphasized that any comeback will depend on her mental readiness rather than external pressure.

Many fans believe that when she does return, she will bring a renewed perspective and possibly inspire lasting change in how tennis approaches mental health.

Conclusion

Amanda Anisimova’s decision to step away from tennis serves as a reminder that even the most talented athletes are human. Her courage to speak openly about her struggles has made her a powerful voice in a new era of athlete awareness and mental health advocacy.

Whether or not she returns to the tour soon, Anisimova’s story has already left a lasting mark on tennis — one that goes far beyond trophies and rankings.

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