Tennis Pro Amanda Anisimova on Touching Grass, Mental Resets & Who She Calls When the Pressure Hits

This time last year, I was sitting on my couch (newborn in hand), yelling at the TV, cheering on a then-24-year-old American tennis player with a megawatt smile and a wicked backhand. Her name was (and still is) Amanda Anisimova, and despite being a finalist in back-to-back Grand Slams at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2025, I quickly learned that tennis was the least interesting thing about her.

In 2023, Anisimova made headlines by announcing an indefinite break, stepping away from the sport she loved to prioritize her mental health. After going pro at just 14 years old and losing her father and coach in 2019, the pressure and burnout had taken its toll. But following in the footsteps of other elite athletes, like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, Anisimova’s intentional time off helped her come back stronger than ever, propelling her to a career-high world No. 3 ranking earlier this year.

To celebrate the power behind a meaningful break, Anisimova has partnered with Pure Leaf Iced Tea (because who doesn’t love a tea break...or a fake press conference filled with puppies). Amid her U.S. Open run, I caught up with the Grand Slam hopeful to chat about her version of touching grass, how she resets mentally and who she has on speed dial when the pressure hits.

Outside of competing, what part of the job fills your cup?

Amanda Anisimova: I would say getting to connect with fans means a lot to me. Hearing that my story helped someone feels bigger than any result on the court. I also love the travel side of it, even if it's exhausting and difficult at times; getting to see the world and different cultures is something I don't take for granted. 

If you're in a funk, how do you reset or hype yourself up ahead of a match?

AA: I try to get quiet before I get loud, if that makes sense, some time alone to just breathe. I listen to music as the match gets closer to get hyped up and into competition mode.

When the pressure hits mid-match, how do you reset mentally?

AA: I try to use the change of ends to my advantage; I use it to slow my breathing down and get back to what I can control instead of the score. In a funny way, it's the same idea behind this Pure Leaf partnership: The breaks aren't wasted time; they're what allow you to rest, reset and come back stronger.

How did your mindset change after coming back from your tennis break in 2023?

AA: I came back with much more perspective. Before, I thought resting meant I was falling behind; now I know it's part of the process. I think that taking that time away in 2023 was necessary for me and is honestly part of the reason I've been able to have the results I've had since.

When you're stressed or overwhelmed, who's the first person you call?

AA: My mom and my sister, without question. They are my rocks.

What's your version of touching grass?

AA: I try to stay away from my phone, be present and spend quality time with my family and friends. I know it sounds cliché, but doing simple things like this helps me massively after a long trip. 

You're in NYC, and it's your day off. What's your ideal way to spend the day?

AA: I actually had a day off just before the start of the tournament and I tried to use it to take some time to relax and rest. I had coffee in the morning and went into Central Park in the afternoon with a couple of friends, we sat on the grass and just took in the scenery and relaxed. I love New York. There is something unique about the city, and I love Central Park, so being able to experience the energy and culture of the city on my day off is special.