10 MINUTES AGO: Amanda Anisimova walked into the press conference room with red eyes, her hand trembling as she held the microphone. “I ALMOST ENDED MY LIFE DURING MY BREAK… MY FATHER SAVED ME FROM THE BRINK!” She burst into tears, revealing the horrific things she had faced while taking a break from tennis. The room erupted in applause, many reporters wiped away tears, and fans in the US and around the world were heartbroken!
The tennis world was brought to a standstill when Amanda Anisimova delivered one of the most emotional and raw press conferences in recent memory. Entering the room visibly shaken, her eyes red and voice unsteady, the former US Open finalist struggled to compose herself before revealing the depth of the personal battle she had endured away from the sport. What was expected to be a routine media appearance became a moment of collective reckoning about mental health, pressure, and survival at the highest level of professional tennis.
“I almost ended my life during my break,” Anisimova said, pausing repeatedly as tears streamed down her face. “There were moments when I truly didn’t see a way out. My father saved me from the brink.” Her words landed with devastating force, leaving the room silent for several seconds before an overwhelming wave of applause broke out, not in celebration, but in solidarity.
Anisimova, once heralded as one of the most gifted talents of her generation, stepped away from tennis amid mounting expectations, relentless scrutiny, and personal grief. While fans speculated about form, motivation, and rankings, few could have imagined the darkness she was facing behind closed doors. In her remarks, she spoke of isolation, overwhelming anxiety, and a sense of worthlessness that intensified as she felt she was failing both herself and the people who believed in her.
She described days when getting out of bed felt impossible and nights consumed by fear and despair. Though she avoided graphic details, her account painted a harrowing picture of a young athlete crushed by internal battles far more powerful than any opponent across the net. “I didn’t feel like a tennis player anymore,” she said. “I didn’t feel like a person who mattered.”
The most powerful moment came when Anisimova spoke about her father, her voice breaking completely. She credited him with recognizing the warning signs and refusing to let her face them alone. “He listened when I couldn’t speak,” she said. “He stayed when I wanted to disappear. Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
As she spoke, reporters could be seen wiping away tears, and several stood to applaud once she finished. Social media erupted within minutes, with fans, fellow players, and public figures expressing heartbreak, admiration, and support. Messages poured in from across the tennis world, praising Anisimova’s courage for speaking openly about a topic that remains deeply stigmatized, particularly in elite sport.
Current and former players echoed a familiar refrain: that tennis, despite its glamour, can be an unforgiving and lonely profession. The constant travel, individual accountability, and public judgment can create a pressure cooker that leaves little room for vulnerability. Anisimova’s revelation has reignited urgent conversations about how young athletes are supported when success comes faster than emotional readiness.
In her statement, Anisimova made it clear that her decision to speak out was deliberate. “I don’t want anyone to think they’re weak for struggling,” she said. “If sharing this helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.” She emphasized that taking a break from tennis was not a failure, but a necessary step toward survival and healing.
Tournament officials and player associations responded swiftly, commending her bravery and reiterating commitments to mental health resources. Several organizations stressed the importance of seeking professional help and maintaining strong support networks, noting that no title or ranking is more important than a life.
As the press conference concluded, Anisimova took a deep breath, steadied herself, and offered a small, fragile smile. “I’m still here,” she said quietly. “And that means everything.”
Her words have left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond results and trophies, her story has reminded the world that athletes are human first, and that the most important victories are sometimes the ones fought far from the spotlight. For fans watching around the globe, the heartbreak was real—but so was the hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reaching out to trusted people or professional support services can make a life-saving difference.’
As the press conference concluded, Anisimova took a deep breath, steadied herself, and offered a small, fragile smile. “I’m still here,” she said quietly. “And that means everything.”
Her words have left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond results and trophies, her story has reminded the world that athletes are human first, and that the most important victories are sometimes the ones fought far from the spotlight. For fans watching around the globe, the heartbreak was real—but so was the hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reaching out to trusted people or professional support services can make a life-saving difference.
