Amanda Anisimova Champions Mental Breaks in New Partnership

Amanda Anisimova is championing the power of a pause. The American tennis star, who surged to a career-high world No. 3 ranking earlier this year, has partnered with Pure Leaf Iced Tea to promote the value of taking meaningful breaks. This campaign follows her own major eight-month hiatus from the sport in 2023, a decision that ultimately propelled her to back-to-back Grand Slam finals in 2025.

How did a break change Amanda Anisimova's career?

Anisimova stepped away from tennis in May 2023, citing burnout and a need to prioritize her mental health. She was just 21 at the time and had already experienced immense pressure since turning pro at 14, compounded by the loss of her father and coach in 2019. Her intentional break, which lasted until January 2024, saw her ranking fall from No. 46 to No. 373. But the reset worked. She returned with renewed focus, reaching the final of the 2024 Canadian Open and then making stunning runs to the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025. Those performances rocketed her to a year-end ranking of No. 4, setting the stage for her peak at No. 3 in early 2026.

What is the Pure Leaf 'Break Conference' campaign?

Pure Leaf surprised Anisimova by replacing a scheduled press conference with a 'Break Conference' on August 26, 2026. The hour was dedicated to her reconnecting with loved ones and resetting before a tournament. The brand is using her story to highlight how strategic pauses, like changeovers in tennis, can improve performance in everyday life. They are also launching a 'Set Break Collection' of tennis-inspired merchandise and hosting a fan experience in New York City near Bryant Park on September 2, 2026, offering mocktails and free gear.

Who did Anisimova recently face on court?

In a recent tournament, Anisimova faced rising Filipina star Alex Eala in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. The match drew attention not only for the clash of former teen prodigies but for a minor on-court mystery. Tennis Channel analysts debated what Anisimova was drinking during a changeover, a lighthearted moment during competition. Anisimova, now 24 and ranked No. 10, was seen as a major test for the 21-year-old Eala. You can track upcoming matches for top players on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.

What is Anisimova's career trajectory?

Anisimova's talent was evident early. She won the 2017 US Open Girls' singles title, beating Coco Gauff in the final. At 17, she made a deep run at the 2019 French Open, reaching the semifinals. Her current success is built on a powerful baseline game and a hard-earned mental resilience. Her ranking history shows a remarkable rebound.

• Anisimova's eight-month break in 2023 was a conscious choice for mental health, mirroring steps taken by athletes like Naomi Osaka.
• She achieved a career-high ranking of No. 3 in January 2026 after her 2025 Grand Slam finals.
• Her partnership with Pure Leaf centers on a 'Break Conference' and fan events in New York this September.
• Anisimova's recent match against Alex Eala in Cincinnati sparked discussion among analysts and fans alike.

Her story is now a platform for a broader conversation. Anisimova told PureWow that tennis was 'the least interesting thing' about her, emphasizing the person behind the player. She credits her support system, including family, for helping her manage pressure. As she continues to compete at the highest level, her advocacy for balance and well-being resonates far beyond the baseline.