Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

tennis

Wimbledon 2025 Final – The Amanda Anisimova Comeback Story is One for the History Books

One of the great comeback stories in tennis - Amanda Anisimova.

Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

When she took a mental health break in 2023, several critics declared that it would be impossible for her to get back to the top of the WTA. Yet, Amanda Anisimova stands tall and proud in the 2025 Wimbledon Championships final. Having risen to a career-high World No. 12 ranking, the American is enjoying an outstanding season thus far. Needless to say, her fairytale is one that will inspire tons of young boys and girls to pick up the racquet, and to prioritise themselves when necessary.

After a disappointing opening month, things skyrocketed when Anisimova won the Qatar Open 2025 trophy in February. She then reached the semifinal in Charleston, before enduring a timid European clay court season. Coming into the grass court campaign, which is arguably the best surface for her style of play, there were a lot of question marks about her form and fitness. Yet, the 23-year-old reached the final in Queen’s Club before sealing a historic finish at the Wimbledon Championships.

Amanda Anisimova took a mental health break in May 2023 and didn't touch a racket for months, with her WTA ranking falling outside the Top 400.

Today, the American advances to the Wimbledon semifinals ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MiAvoY1HXs
— ESPN (@espn) July 8, 2025

There are no prizes for guessing that the success story of Amanda Anisimova was not without hurdles. Here’s the story of how far she has come:

From Setback to Comeback – The Amanda Anisimova Way

At the age of 14, a prodigious talent from New Jersey turned eyeballs when she received a wildcard into the US Open. In 2017, this young gun won the Junior Championships at Flushing Meadows by defeating none other than reigning Roland Garros queen Coco Gauff. Having blended into the circuit within a year, Anisimova reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros 2019. But with great power comes great responsibility.

Amanda Anisimova says that when she took her mental health break from tennis, a lot of people told her she would never make it to the top again

“Is reaching a Grand Slam final the ultimate vindication that taking a break can work for you?”

Amanda: “I think it’s different for… pic.twitter.com/7e1qcaKI2a
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 10, 2025

From a very young age, there was immense pressure on Anisimova to make headlines and consistently raise the American flag on her shoulders. This naturally led to severe stress, and eventually burnout, for the youngster who still had a long career ahead of her. So in May 2023, Anisimova made an important decision that would go on to become potentially career-defining.

“I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022. It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point my priority is my well-being, and taking a break for some time.” Following this honest admission, Anisimova was out of action for eight months. She spent quality time with family and friends, and also sold artwork – the proceeds of which went to charities.

Although she was back in the Top-50 within a year of her return in 2024, Anisimova failed to qualify for Wimbledon last year. The now 23-year-old lost in qualifying, and bounced out of the competition. A year later, she is faster and stronger, and into the Championships summit clash on Super Saturday. The American continues to prove that lurking behind every setback, is a comeback for the ages!

(Image Credits: Susan Mullane, Imagn Images)

Amanda Anisimova

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Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.