The Myth of Constant Competition in Tennis
Professional tennis players often believe that taking breaks can be detrimental to their careers. In a fiercely competitive environment where success hinges on minute details, they feel an incessant pressure to keep training and competing. The prevailing belief is that if you’re not continuously improving, someone else will take your place, and regaining your spot could be impossible.
Amanda Anisimova’s Turning Point
During a challenging phase in her career, former teenage star Amanda Anisimova confronted this myth. Overwhelmed by depression and the relentless demands of the tennis circuit, the 23-year-old made the brave decision to step away from the sport entirely two years ago.
Pushing Through: A Personal Reflection
“I had always pushed through everything without taking breaks,” Anisimova recalls, reflecting on her tumultuous past eight years in a bustling player’s restaurant at the Madrid Open. “I felt it was unfair to keep pushing as if I weren’t human.”
Early Success and Subsequent Struggles
Seven years ago, Anisimova broke into the WTA tour at just 16, impressing with her powerful strokes and exceptional timing. By 17, she reached the semi-finals of the 2019 French Open, but she felt too young to grasp the gravity of her accomplishments.
Recognizing the Need for Change
By 2022, the pressures of professional tennis began to weigh heavily on her mental well-being. “I was filled with stress, and it was affecting my performance on the court,” she explains. Despite attempts to power through, she recognized the need for a break, grateful for the privilege to step away.
Finding Balance Beyond the Court
During her time off, Anisimova engaged in activities she had previously ignored, spending quality moments with loved ones and studying business with psychology at Nova Southeastern University. She also explored painting, turning it into a therapeutic outlet which she later used to support charitable causes.
A Fresh Start and New Achievements
After nearly a year without touching a racket, Anisimova returned to tennis at the outset of 2024, feeling mentally rejuvenated. This decision has not only made her a role model for fellow players facing similar issues but also helped her achieve remarkable success, including winning her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open. As she gears up for another Grand Slam tournament, Anisimova is now ranked No. 16, celebrating her personal growth above all else.
