American tennis player Amanda Anisimova has announced her comeback to the court less than a year after taking a hiatus from the sport to focus on her mental health. The 22-year-old athlete had previously decided to temporarily halt her career in May due to burnout and mental health challenges. However, she has now reversed her decision and is poised to make a return similar to Emma Raducanu’s path by accepting a wildcard into the ASB Classic and registering for the Australian Open.
Anisimova, a former world No 21, openly shared her mental health battles in a heartfelt Instagram post earlier this year. She revealed the overwhelming nature of participating in tennis tournaments and stressed the importance of prioritizing her mental well-being. At that time, her return to the sport was uncertain, but she has since confirmed her participation in the upcoming competitions, marking an inspiring comeback.
Following the announcement of Raducanu receiving a wildcard into the ASB Classic, Anisimova promptly followed suit, confirming her presence at the WTA 250 event scheduled for January 1. With a protected ranking of No 61 in the world, Anisimova has also secured her place in the main draw of the Australian Open, demonstrating her determination to resume her tennis career after a challenging period.
Having achieved significant success at a young age, Anisimova aims to rediscover her form and perform well in the upcoming tournaments. Her notable achievements include reaching the semi-finals of the 2019 French Open at just 17 years old, defeating then-defending champion Simona Halep along the way. She also attained a career-high ranking of No 21 and won her first title in Colombia in the same year. Anisimova’s return to the sport is poised to be an inspiring journey, and her fans are eagerly anticipating her return to competitive play.
As Anisimova prepares to resume her career, her decision to prioritize her mental health and take a break reflects the increasing awareness and significance of mental well-being in professional sports. Her determination to overcome setbacks and return to the sport sets an example of resilience and strength. Tennis enthusiasts and supporters of Anisimova are eagerly anticipating her comeback and are looking forward to seeing her compete on the international stage once again.