Amanda Anisimova's comeback: A powerful reminder to prioritise mental health

Amanda Anisimova has achieved an incredible personal and professional turnaround by advancing to the 2025 Wimbledon women's singles final. Only two years on from walking away from the game in order to focus on her mental well-being, the 23-year-old American has come back stronger than ever before, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thriller semifinal. Anisimova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Sabalenka was not only a display of technical mastery, it was a demonstration of her toughness. In the tight, hot struggle on Centre Court, she displayed determination.

Anisimova was in the headlines in May 2023 when she went public with an indefinite break from professional tennis. Only 21-year-old, she spoke frankly about how much the game had cost her mentally, including burnout, depression, and anxiety. Her ranking fell and it was unclear if she would play again. But she did, and her comeback has been nothing short of spectacular. In action again in 2024, Anisimova was at first having a hard time finding her footing. She failed to qualify for Wimbledon last summer. But behind the scenes, she was grinding, physically, emotionally, and mentally, rebuilding her game and her confidence.

The 2025 season was a breakthrough. Anisimova won her first WTA 1000 title in Doha earlier in the year and backed it up with a strong run to the final at Queen's Club. Her showing at Wimbledon, however, has really established her return to the game's elite. Looking back at her experience post-semifinal, Anisimova was honest. "It's been a year of rebuilding, physically and mentally. I honestly didn't know if I'd ever feel this good on court again," she said. "To be in the Wimbledon final, after everything, it's surreal."

Anisimova's journey isn't merely an athletic comeback, it's a heartening lesson in prioritizing mental health. During an era where elite players are increasingly open to discussing personal matters, her story is one of hope, recovery, and human strength. As she gears up for the greatest match of her career, Amanda Anisimova has already emerged a victor in a far more defined way, having conquered by showing herself and everyone else that setbacks of any magnitude don't have to determine your narrative.

Why is it important to take care of Mental Health?

Mental health is essentially important for the overall health of the body because it affects how we think, feel and act. Taking care of mental health is important as it helps us manage stress, make decisions and build strong relationships. If mental health is neglected, it can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout and physical illness too. Just like the whole body, the mind also needs rest, support, and peace. When mental health is prioritised, it allows us to function at our best, both personally and professionally.

5 ways to take care of mental health:

Stay connected
Stay connected with your friends and family and spend time with them. Talking and sharing to others how you feel relieves stress.
Exercise regularly
Doing regular exercise helps improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression due to the endorphins release.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation
Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can calm the mind and improve emotional balance.
Getting enough sleep
Quality sleep is essential for emotional stability, memory, and concentration. One should take a minimum 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily.
Seek help when needed
Never hesitate to talk to a therapist or counselor. Professional support can make a big difference in managing challenges emotionally or physically.