Amanda Anisimova Reflects on Mental Reset After US Open

Amanda Anisimova's recent US Open run ended in a surprising upset, but the American tennis star says her perspective has been permanently reshaped by a prior break from the sport.

How did a break change Amanda Anisimova's career?

Anisimova made headlines in 2023 by announcing an indefinite break from tennis to prioritize her mental health. She turned professional at just 14 years old and had been coping with the loss of her father and coach in 2019. The pressure and burnout finally became too much. She followed the path of other elite athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka. That intentional time away, she says, allowed her to return stronger. It propelled her to back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2025 and to her current world No. 3 status.

What happened at the 2026 US Open?

Anisimova's comeback story hit a brutal setback during the recent US Open. She suffered an upset loss after what was described as an implosion on court. Specific match details were not provided in the sources, but the result was framed as a significant disappointment following her successful 2025 season. This early exit contrasts sharply with her finalist appearance at the same tournament just one year prior.

Why is she partnering with Pure Leaf Iced Tea?

To celebrate the impact of her break, Anisimova has partnered with Pure Leaf Iced Tea. The brand's platform focuses on taking meaningful breaks. As part of the campaign, Pure Leaf surprised Anisimova by replacing a scheduled press conference with a "Break Conference." This gave her an hour to reconnect with loved ones and reset before a tournament. The partnership, announced on August 26, 2026, includes a fan giveaway of tennis-inspired merchandise and a pop-up "Tea Break Cart" in New York City near Bryant Park on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

What odd moment baffled fans recently?

Earlier in the summer season, Anisimova caused a stir during a match at the Cincinnati Open. Fans were baffled by a beer-like drink she consumed on court. The incident sparked speculation and discussion online, though the beverage was likely a specialized sports drink or another non-alcoholic option. These small, personal rituals often become part of a player's in-match routine as they manage energy and focus between points.

Who does Anisimova call under pressure?

In a recent interview, Anisimova opened up about her support system and mental reset strategies. She revealed who she calls when the pressure hits, though the specific person was not named in the available source text. She also discussed the simple act of "touching grass" as a grounding technique. This focus on concrete, manageable actions highlights her evolved approach to handling the intense demands of the professional tour.

• Mental Health Priority: Anisimova's 2023 break was a career-defining decision for her mental well-being.
• Elite Performance: That break directly contributed to her rise to a world No. 3 ranking and two 2025 Grand Slam finals.
• Recent Setback: She experienced a disappointing upset at the 2026 US Open after a strong run the previous year.
• Brand Ambassador: She is now a partner for Pure Leaf, promoting the value of taking purposeful breaks.