Amanda Anisimova addresses body-shaming and mental health challenges

After taking a break from tennis to focus on her mental well-being, Amanda Anisimova brings attention to online body-shaming and its impact on athletes.

Amanda Anisimova, a prominent figure in professional tennis, has faced significant challenges due to body-shaming comments directed at her on social media. In May 2023, she announced an indefinite break from tennis to prioritize her mental health, stating, “It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point, my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time.”

Anisimova has been vocal about the negative impact of online comments regarding her physique. She highlighted the frequency of such remarks, noting, “The amount of people who comment on my body every day on social media.”

In response to a specific derogatory message labeling her as having “The most unathletic body ever! Narrow shoulders and giant boobs,” Anisimova shared the screenshot publicly, bringing attention to the issue of body shaming in sports.

Despite these challenges, Anisimova made a return to professional tennis, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.

Inside the Baseline…

Body shaming has no place in tennis, or anywhere. Amanda Anisimova’s bravery in addressing such a deeply personal issue speaks volumes about her resilience and her character. It’s a stark reminder of the scrutiny athletes face both on and off the court. For Anisimova, stepping back from tennis to focus on her mental health was already a courageous move, but shining a light on the toxic culture of online criticism takes it even further. It’s a challenge to juggle performance, expectations, and public perception, but Amanda’s story is a powerful call for empathy and a reminder that kindness should always come first.

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