Wimbledon 2025: Anisimova, Alcaraz, Sabalenka and Rublev take care of mental health

When Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova took a break from tennis to prioritize her mental health, many said she would not be back at the top of the sport.

Now, preparing for the first Grand Slam final, she can actively reflect on the decision.

“It shows that this is possible,” the 23-year-old American said.

“I was able to prove that if you prioritize yourself, you could go back to the top – it was very special for me.”

Anisimova shocked the world number one Aryna Sabalenka to reach the Wimbledon final, where she previously performed her best in the 2019 Grand Slam when she reached the French Open semi-finals at the age of 17.

Two years ago, the situation in Anisimova looked completely different. Struggling with her mental health and burnout, she found it “unbearable” to play tennis.

She hasn’t touched a racket for months. She spent the holidays, met friends and family, went to college in person, stayed away from tennis until the itch came back.

She said before the All England semi-final victory: “I learned a lot about myself off the court, my interest, just spending some time breathing and living a normal life.”

“What I learned is to be honest with yourself, intuition and what your body tells you.”