On April 20th, 2021, Amanda Anisimova, the 19-year-old American tennis phenom, announced that she would be taking an indefinite hiatus from professional tennis. Anisimova, who has been ranked as high as number 24 in the world, has been dealing with a number of physical and mental health issues over the past year.
Anisimova made her announcement via a statement on her social media accounts, saying “I have been dealing with physical and mental health issues over the past year, and I need to take some time away from the court to focus on my health and well-being.” She went on to thank her fans for their support and said that she looks forward to returning to the court when she is ready.
Anisimova’s announcement has been met with both sadness and understanding from the tennis community. Many of her peers have expressed their support for her decision, including fellow American tennis star Sloane Stephens who said “I’m sending love and support to Amanda. Mental health is so important and I hope she takes the time she needs to get back to feeling her best.”
Anisimova’s hiatus is a reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s physical and mental health, especially in a sport as demanding as professional tennis. While it is sad to see such a promising young talent take a break from the game, her decision is a testament to her commitment to her own wellbeing.
It is unclear when Anisimova will return to professional tennis, but one thing is certain: when she does, she will be welcomed back with open arms. Until then, we wish her all the best in her recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the court soon.
