Amanda Anisimova pauses tennis career to focus on mental health

When Amanda Anisimova, an American professional tennis player announced in May 2023 that she would step away from competition indefinitely, the news rippled through the sport like a sudden break in a rally. She said, “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.” The decision was not a spur‑of‑the‑moment reaction; it was the culmination of years of personal tragedy and relentless online scrutiny.

Background and early career

Born in San Diego in 2001, Anisimova burst onto the WTA scene as a prodigy, reaching the French Open final at just 18. Her aggressive baseline game and calm composure earned her a reputation as one of the sport’s most promising young stars. By 2022 she was consistently ranking inside the top 30, collecting $3.2 million in prize money and signing endorsement deals with major brands.

Father’s tragic loss and its aftermath

The turning point came in August 2019, when her father Konstantin Anisimova, a former coach and her biggest supporter, suffered a fatal heart attack just a week before her 18th birthday. He was 52. In a 2020 interview with the New York Post, Amanda described the event as “the worst thing that ever happened to me.” The same year, she told the New York Times that the grief “never goes away. But you can’t change it, and you have to get back to life,” noting that even leaving the house felt like a chore for months.

Psychologists note that losing a parent during late adolescence can trigger prolonged bereavement, often manifesting as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating – exactly the challenges Anisimova later cited as hindering her performance on court.

Rise of online body‑shaming

Beyond personal loss, Anisimova faced a different kind of battlefield: the comment sections of social media. By 2022 she was fielding dozens of daily remarks about her physique, ranging from “narrow shoulders” to outright vulgarities. In a candid discussion with NPR, she said, “The amount of people who comment on my body every day on social media is overwhelming.” She even posted a screenshot of a hateful message calling her “the most unathletic body ever! Narrow shoulders and giant boobs,” turning personal insult into a public call for change.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have linked such persistent harassment to increased risk of eating disorders and depressive episodes among elite athletes. Anisimova’s experience therefore serves as a textbook case of how digital toxicity can spill over into physical performance.

The decision to step away

The final straw arrived at the 2023 Madrid Open. On May 1, she suffered a first‑round loss to a lower‑ranked opponent, after a grueling three‑set match that left her visibly shaken. That loss marked her last professional appearance before announcing the break. “I honestly never took a break longer than two weeks in my life. I just needed that, as a human being, to just rest for once and let my body recover,” she told NPR.

The tournament itself, Madrid OpenMadrid, is known for its fast clay courts and high‑altitude conditions, which can exacerbate physical fatigue. For Anisimova, the psychological toll outweighed any tactical lessons the event might have offered.

Eight‑month hiatus and triumphant return

During the eight‑month pause, Anisimova worked with a sports psychologist, engaged in yoga, and deliberately limited her exposure to social media. She also took part in a mental‑health awareness campaign run by the WTA, which urged players to prioritize their well‑being over ranking points.

When she returned at the 2024 Australian Open, she not only reclaimed her spot in the top 30 but went on to reach two Grand Slam finals that season – a feat few could achieve after such a lengthy layoff. Her comeback sparked a broader conversation within the tennis community about the stigma surrounding mental‑health breaks.

Impact on sports culture and future implications

Anisimova’s story has become a touchstone for athletes grappling with similar pressures. The WTA announced new guidelines encouraging tour players to seek mental‑health support without penalty, mirroring policies previously seen only in the NFL and NBA. Moreover, several major sponsors have pledged to fund anti‑harassment initiatives on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Experts argue that while Anisimova’s case is high‑profile, it reflects a systemic issue. “If a top‑10 player feels forced to step away, imagine the countless lower‑ranked athletes scrambling in the background,” said Dr. Lena Ortiz, a sports‑medicine specialist at Stanford University.

Looking ahead, the tennis world is watching whether these policy shifts translate into measurable change. Will tournament committees enforce stricter moderation of online abuse? Will more players feel safe taking mental‑health breaks? Only time will tell, but Anisimova’s journey has undeniably shifted the conversation from “tough it out” to “take care of yourself first.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Amanda Anisimova’s hiatus affect her ranking?

During the eight‑month break her WTA ranking fell from No. 23 to outside the top 100. After her return, she quickly climbed back into the top 30, thanks to deep runs at two Grand Slam events, illustrating that performance can outweigh ranking gaps when the athlete is healthy.

What specific measures has the WTA taken after her story?

The WTA introduced a Mental Health Support Fund, made sports‑psychology services mandatory for players ranked inside the top 50, and partnered with Instagram to develop an “harassment‑reporting” tool aimed at curbing body‑shaming comments.

Why is body‑shaming particularly harmful to tennis players?

Tennis demands a precise blend of strength, agility, and endurance. When players are constantly judged on appearance rather than skill, it erodes confidence, distracts focus, and can lead to disordered eating – all of which directly impair performance on court.

What role did her father’s death play in her decision?

Losing Konstantin Anisimova when she was 17 left a lingering emotional wound. Anisimova has said the grief never truly vanished, and the cumulative pressure of touring amplified that pain, making a prolonged break the only viable path to healing.

Will more athletes likely follow her example?

Early signs suggest a shift. Several up‑and‑coming players have publicly spoken about needing mental‑health days, and a few have already taken short hiatuses without fear of losing sponsorships, indicating Anisimova’s move may be a catalyst for broader change.