Amanda Anisimova Finds New Strength at the US Open
Amanda Anisimova’s story at this year’s US Open is about much more than tennis. It’s about resilience, perspective, and how stepping away from the game gave her the strength to come back stronger than ever.
Just over two years ago, Anisimova decided to take a break from the sport. From May 2023 to January 2024, she stayed away from competition, focusing instead on her mental health. At that point, her career had already been marked by both brilliance and heartbreak. She was a teenage prodigy who reached the French Open semifinals at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest American woman to do so since Venus Williams in 1997. But soon after, she endured devastating loss when her father and coach, Konstantin, passed away from a sudden heart attack. Her form dipped, her confidence wavered, and the weight of expectations became overwhelming.
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That’s when the decision was made to step away. She got professional help, and to this day she continues to work with a trauma-focused therapist who supports her with anxiety. Looking back now, Anisimova calls that choice life-changing. She admits that the time off gave her a completely new outlook — one where she values not only the matches, but also the everyday grind of practice and preparation.
Fast forward to this season, and the results have been remarkable. She has surged in the rankings, climbing as high as No. 7 in the world, and even reached the Wimbledon final earlier this summer. Though she lost that final to Iga Swiatek in a lopsided scoreline, what stood out was not the defeat but the grace with which she handled it. She walked off the court with tears, thanking fans, praising her opponent, and cherishing the chance to have been on that stage. For her, composure and perspective mattered more than the scoreline itself.
This week at the US Open, the growth in her mindset was clear again. Seeded eighth, she defeated Kimberly Birrell in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, and afterward spoke openly about her journey. She said she doesn’t shy away from questions about her break, because if her story can help even one person feel less alone, it is worth sharing. She described how being transparent about her struggles has become a source of pride, not something to hide.
For Anisimova, the pressure of high seeding and recent success doesn’t feel like a burden. Instead, she calls it exciting. She says she feels good, confident, and motivated, with her ranking serving as a source of energy rather than stress. She has never been past the third round at the US Open before, but this year she believes she is better equipped than ever to push deeper.
Her backhand remains as lethal as ever, but now it is paired with a stronger mind and a steadier heart. Amanda Anisimova is no longer just chasing wins; she’s embracing the journey. And that, as she puts it, is already paying off.
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