WIMBLEDON — Professional athletes often define themselves by their sport, and tennis players are no exception. For many, their identity becomes so intertwined with their performance on the court that stepping away—even temporarily—can feel like losing a part of themselves. Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova and other players have opened up about the mental toll of this pressure and how they prioritize self-care to combat burnout.
The Weight of Identity in Tennis
"Our identity gets wrapped up in being a tennis player," Anisimova said in a recent interview. "When you’re struggling, it feels like you’re failing as a person, not just as an athlete." The 22-year-old, who took a mental health break in 2023, highlighted how the sport’s solitary nature amplifies these struggles. Unlike team sports, where losses are shared, tennis players bear the weight of defeat—and the accompanying self-criticism—alone.
This sentiment is echoed by other players, including Naomi Osaka, who has been vocal about her mental health journey. "Tennis is what I do, but it’s not who I am," Osaka said. "Learning that separation has been crucial for me." Both athletes emphasize the importance of therapy, meditation, and setting boundaries to maintain balance.
Recognizing Burnout
Burnout is a growing concern in tennis, with players facing relentless schedules, travel demands, and public scrutiny. Symptoms often include:
- Chronic fatigue, even after rest
- Loss of motivation for the sport
- Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
Anisimova experienced this firsthand after her breakout 2019 French Open semifinal run. "I pushed myself too hard, thinking I had to prove something every match. By the time I realized I was burned out, it was almost too late." She credits her support team—coaches, family, and a sports psychologist—for helping her step back and recharge.
Strategies for Mental Resilience
1. Prioritizing Off-Court Life
Players like Coco Gauff and Bianca Andreescu stress the importance of hobbies and relationships outside tennis. "Painting and spending time with my dog remind me there’s more to life than winning or losing," Andreescu shared. Gauff, meanwhile, dedicates time to activism, calling it "a way to use my platform for something bigger."
2. Embracing Breaks
Anisimova’s hiatus—though initially daunting—proved transformative. "I traveled, read books, and just let myself breathe. Coming back, I felt like I was playing for joy again, not out of obligation." Experts agree: scheduled breaks, even mid-season, can prevent long-term burnout.
3. Normalizing Therapy
Once taboo, mental health support is now embraced by many players. Osaka’s openness about therapy has inspired peers. "Talking to someone neutral helps you untangle the pressure," she said. The WTA has also expanded its mental health resources, including 24/7 access to counselors.
The Role of the Tennis Community
Organizations like the WTA and ATP are increasingly addressing mental health. At Wimbledon 2023, quiet rooms and mindfulness sessions were introduced. "Small changes make a difference," noted Anisimova. "Knowing the tour cares helps us speak up."
Still, players urge further progress. "We need more flexibility in scheduling and less stigma around taking time off," said Anisimova. Osaka added, "Mental health should be treated like a physical injury—with patience and support."
Conclusion: Redefining Success
For Anisimova and her peers, prioritizing mental health isn’t just about longevity in tennis—it’s about reclaiming their sense of self. "I’m learning to love the person behind the player," she reflected. As the conversation grows, the hope is that future athletes won’t have to choose between their well-being and their sport.
The message is clear: in a game as mentally demanding as tennis, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And as these players show, sometimes the bravest move is stepping off the court to find yourself again.