LONDON — American tennis star Amanda Anisimova broke down in tears during her post-match interview with Annabel Croft after a crushing defeat at Wimbledon, revealing the emotional toll of her recent struggles on the court.
The 22-year-old, once considered one of the sport’s brightest young talents, suffered a 6-0, 6-2 loss to Wang Xinyu in the first round, a match that lasted just 59 minutes. The lopsided defeat marked another setback in Anisimova’s comeback after an eight-month hiatus from tennis in 2023 due to mental health concerns.
A Painful Exit at Wimbledon
Anisimova, who reached the French Open semifinals as a 17-year-old in 2019, struggled to find her rhythm against Wang. The American won only 37% of her first-serve points and committed 22 unforced errors, a stark contrast to her opponent’s composed performance.
After the match, a visibly distraught Anisimova sat down with former British player and commentator Annabel Croft for an emotional interview. Croft, sensing Anisimova’s distress, paused the conversation multiple times to offer comfort.
The Moment Anisimova Broke Down
When asked about her struggles, Anisimova fought back tears before finally succumbing to her emotions. "It’s just really hard right now," she said, her voice cracking. "I’ve been trying my best, but it’s not enough."
Croft, known for her empathetic interviewing style, gently responded, "Take your time, Amanda. We all know how much you’ve been through." The exchange highlighted the mental and physical challenges Anisimova has faced in recent years.
A Career Marred by Personal Tragedy
Anisimova’s career has been marked by both promise and profound personal loss. In 2019, just months after her breakthrough at Roland Garros, her father and longtime coach, Konstantin, passed away suddenly from a heart attack at age 52.
The tragedy deeply affected her, and though she briefly returned to form in 2022—winning her second WTA title in Melbourne—she later stepped away from the sport, citing burnout and emotional exhaustion.
- 2019: Reaches French Open semifinals, peaks at No. 21 in the world.
- 2022: Wins Melbourne title, climbs back into the top 30.
- 2023: Takes an eight-month break from tennis.
The Road Ahead
Anisimova’s tearful interview resonated with fans and fellow players, many of whom took to social media to express support. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli tweeted, "Amanda has so much heart. The tennis world is behind her."
Despite the setback, Anisimova has shown flashes of her old brilliance this season, including a run to the fourth round at the Australian Open. However, consistency remains elusive, and her ranking has slipped to No. 168.
In her post-match press conference, she acknowledged the difficulties but remained hopeful. "I know I have the game. It’s just about finding joy in the process again."
Conclusion: A Player in Search of Healing
Anisimova’s emotional breakdown at Wimbledon was a raw reminder of the pressures athletes face—both on and off the court. Her journey, marked by incredible highs and devastating lows, continues to unfold.
As Croft concluded the interview, she offered words of encouragement: "You’re stronger than you think, Amanda. The best is yet to come." Whether Anisimova rediscovers her form remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the tennis world is rooting for her.