There’s a noticeable difference between Amanda Anisimova in 2023 and now.
Anisimova made headlines three years ago when she stepped away from tennis in order to intentionally reset mentally and physically from the grueling grind of playing professionally.
“When it came to taking my break and everything I learned about that, and just trying to really reach my full potential … it really did mean having a good balance,” Anisimova recently told The Post.
The eight-month break proved to be exactly what she needed.
Her story is an example of the balance that athletes are trying to strike in terms of the rigors that come with professional sports while being mindful of their mental well-being.
“I was never that athlete who performed well from overtraining or constantly being at tournaments and only having work to look forward to,” Anisimova said. “I’ve always been someone who needs to have a good balance and needs to go home and recharge my batteries, especially my mental energy.
“And after doing that, I feel like I was able to finally achieve the results that I wanted. Especially last year, I had such a great year. Apart from the results that I had, I was also having a lot of fun off of the court, and I think that’s what made it so successful.”
Since she returned to the sport in 2024, Anisimova has skyrocketed in the WTA rankings, reaching a career-best World No. 3 ranking in January, and entering this year’s U.S. Open No. 10 on the WTA rankings.
Last year she reached consecutive Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open. She did not win a game against Iga Swiatek at the All England Club but fought Aryna Sabalenka for two tough sets at Flushing Meadows before succumbing.
Anisimova is hoping her story can show others the benefits of taking a break to put themselves first.
The 24-year-old New Jersey native has partnered with Pure Leaf Iced Tea to share her story during the two weeks of the U.S. Open, which includes a fan activation by the drink brand in Bryant Park on Sept. 2.
Anisimova, who said part of her routine now includes taking five-minute breaks to breathe or doing meditation to help keep her in a more present space, has been happy with how the narrative around athletes and mental health has started to shift.
It was not always this way for Anisimova. She was closed off growing up and would not talk about the struggles that come along with being a talented athlete.
“I never did well under those circumstances, or at least not long term, I feel like now that I’m able to be more myself and talk about my experiences and be honest, I feel like I can connect to people a lot easier,” she said. “I feel like I’m more free and I get to just be myself.
“I feel like that’s a very cathartic experience, especially as an athlete. We deal with so many emotions on and off of the court… I’m always trying to be as honest as I can in my experiences and what I go through, and I feel like it’s so important. If it can just help one person, then that makes me incredibly happy.”
That isn’t to say Anisimova isn’t eager to get that first Grand Slam title under her belt.
The U.S. Open is Anisimova’s favorite tournament, but last year’s finals run was the first time she advanced past the third round.
“I’m very eager and motivated because I didn’t really achieve everything I would have wanted in terms of winning a Grand Slam, so I’m still working my way there and trying to get there,” she said.
“I’m obviously flooded with a lot of memories from last year and really looking forward to competing here.”
