“Resetting” herself, Amanda Anisimova doesn’t shy away to reveal her mental health journey after securing a third round victory over Paula Badosa at the Australian Open

Amanda Anisimova says that the break that she took in 2023 to focus on her mental health helped her 'reset' her life in many ways.

“Resetting” herself, Amanda Anisimova doesn’t shy away to reveal her mental health journey after securing a third round victory over Paula Badosa at the Australian Open

Amanda Anisimova (Source: Imago)

Amanda Anisimova registered a sensational straight-set win over Spaniard Paula Badosa in the third round of the 2024 Australian Open to continue her campaign in the Grand Slam.

The American is indeed looking like a changed player now, and her year-long break from tennis to prioritize her mental health has seemingly done wonders. There has been a significant improvement in her performance. 

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Back in April 2023, Amanda Anisimova decided to take a break from tennis for an indefinite period to focus on her mental health. She was depressed about her poor results for a long time and was unsure whether she even wanted to continue with the sport.

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During her time away, she spent time with her friends and family, enrolled in an on-campus college class, traveled, and discovered a newfound love for art. In the process, she rediscovered her love for tennis and decided to make a comeback. 

Taking a step away and really being at home. Resetting myself gave me a different perspective going into these tournaments. I really try to be present when I’m here & just enjoy every second that I’m here. I think in the past I was getting too caught up in the past & the future. I think having that is a huge advantage for me now.
She said in the on-court interview.

Anisimova first made her comeback in the 2024 ASB Classic after missing almost the entirety of the 2023 season. She reached the round of 16 of the tournament.

Her performance in the 2024 Australian Open so far has been much better. Talking about her break after her victory over Paula Badosa, she said that it ‘reset’ her in a positive way. 

Amanda Anisimova faces Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round of the 2024 Australian Open

Amanda Anisimova defeated Liudmila Samsonova, Nadila Podoroska, and Paula Badosa, respectively, in the first three rounds of the tournament so far.

Amanda Anisimova (L), Aryna Sabalenka (R)
Amanda Anisimova (L), Aryna Sabalenka (R) (Sources: Facts.net, Tennis.com)

All of her victories came in straight sets. However, she is now set to face her toughest opponent yet, Aryna Sabalenka, in the fourth round. 

The Belarusian player is in a different form altogether this season and she has completely dominated all her opponents so far in the tournament.

Although Sabalenka is one of the favorites to win the Australian Open and defend her title this year, their head-to-head record reveals a different story altogether. 

Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova have played a total of five matches against each other, and Anisimova has a 4-1 lead over the Belarusian in head-to-head matches. 

Their last match, however, was played back in 2022, and Sabalenka has evolved a lot as a player since then. Thus, it is tricky to predict the result of this match. 

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