When Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova took a break from tennis to prioritise her mental health, many said she would not make it back to the top of the sport.
Now, preparing for a first Grand Slam final, she can reflect positively on that decision.
“It goes to show that it is possible,” said the 23-year-old American, who takes on Poland’s Iga Swiatek on Centre Court on Saturday (16:00 BST).
“Me being able to prove that you can get back to the top if you prioritise yourself – that’s been incredibly special to me.”
Anisimova stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka to reach the Wimbledon final, with her previous best performance at a major coming in 2019 when she reached the French Open semi-finals as a 17-year-old.
Two years ago, things looked quite different for Anisimova. Struggling with her mental health and burnout, she found it “unbearable” to be at tennis tournaments.
She did not touch a racquet for months. She took holidays, saw friends and family, attended her university in person for a semester, and stayed away from tennis until the itch returned.
“I learned a lot about myself, my interests off the court and just taking some time to breathe and live a normal life for a bit,” she said before her semi-final win at the All England Club.
“What I’ve learned is to listen honestly to yourself, to your intuition and what your body is telling you.”