Amanda Anisimova's extended break from tennis seems to have paid off as she made an impressive comeback at the Australian Open, reaching the second round of a Grand Slam event for the first time since Wimbledon in 2022. The 22-year-old American defeated 13th-seeded Liudmila Samsonova with a score of 6-3, 6-4 in just her second tournament back.
Anisimova, once a rising star in 2019 when she advanced to the French Open semifinals after defeating reigning champion Simona Halep, took a hiatus from the sport last year, citing burnout. She returned to the court last week in Auckland, playing her first matches since May.
The young tennis player expressed her renewed energy and enjoyment during the Australian Open. She mentioned feeling refreshed and appreciating every moment she spends practicing and competing. Even when faced with a challenging match, Anisimova maintained a positive mindset and relished the opportunity to overcome obstacles.
Anisimova's decision to take a break from tennis was motivated by her recognition of the toll it was taking on her mental well-being. The sport had become unbearable for her, prompting her to prioritize her overall mental health. As a result, she skipped the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open in 2022 after experiencing early exits from those tournaments.
In her recent comeback in Auckland, Anisimova encountered early elimination after losing to Marie Bouzkova in a one-sided match. However, she regained her confidence during the Australian Open, winning two out of three matches and feeling more positive about her performance.
The young American tennis player emphasized the importance of her emotional well-being and how it has positively impacted her game. Anisimova admits having experienced burnout in early 2023 and how it adversely affected her performance. Taking the time off allowed her to reset and rediscover her love for the game.
Anisimova's next opponent in the Australian Open will be either Nadia Podoroska or Tamara Zidansek. Although she is focused on her journey and personal growth at the moment, Anisimova is hopeful that she can build on her recent wins and continue progressing in the tournament.
Overall, Anisimova proves that taking a break to prioritize mental well-being can lead to positive outcomes. Her victory at the Australian Open demonstrates the benefits of finding balance in the highly competitive world of professional tennis. As she continues her journey at the tournament, Anisimova remains determined and committed to maintaining her newfound sense of stability and enjoyment in the sport she loves.
