Amanda Anisimova won't be competing on the WTA Tour for some time as she announced break from tennis.
It's been a difficult start of the 2023 season for the 21-year-old American who ended last year on a high note. Anisimova won 33 of 47 matches that she played last year and her aspirations for this year were certainly high.
However, she was struggling on the court, winning only three of her eleven matches, and as she revealed, Anisimova was struggling also off the court as she experienced mental health challenges.
Anisimova revealed that the demands of the professional tennis circuit have taken their toll on her mental well-being. The constant pressure to perform at her best, combined with the relentless travel schedule and the weight of expectations, has left her feeling overwhelmed and in need of a respite as she announced a break from tennis.
"Hey guys. I thought I’d make a post explaining what’s been going on and my plans. I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022. It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments."
In her emotional statement, Anisimova expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support she has received from her fans, stating that she will miss being on the court but that her priority is to focus on her mental health.
"At this point my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time. I’ve worked as hard as I could to push through it. I will miss being out there, and I appreciate all the continuous support."
This announcement comes as a timely reminder of the importance of mental well-being in professional sports, with a growing number of athletes speaking out about their struggles and advocating for increased awareness and support.
Moreover, the announcement comes shortly after Anisimova shared private messages that she received from one of the fans that blamed her for not having an ideal body for an athlete. Subsequent announcement from the young American should probably also prompt fans to think about how their words can influence a person or an athlete over a longer period of time.
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