“She was very brave to say that she needed a break”: Sabine Lisicki praises Amanda Anisimova’s inspiring comeback

Former Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki is temporarily off the courts following the birth of her first daughter, Bella—who is now one year old. The German is still hoping for her return to the courts, and although she doesn't follow the WTA Tour closely, she recognizes one player who commands special admiration.

That player is, in particular, Amanda Anisimova, the recent finalist at Wimbledon and the US Open. The current World No. 5 has had a simply remarkable 2025, winning her first WTA 1000 title at the Doha Open and following that up with consecutive Grand Slam final appearances.

Lisicki recalled the break Anisimova decided to take in her career a few years ago. The American was off the courts for about nine months back in 2023 after acknowledging mental health struggles. Although her return wasn't immediately perfect, it didn't take her long to regain prominence on the Tour and achieve the best results of her career.

"I am very excited about Amanda Anisimova, especially because of her journey," commented former Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki in an interview with Tennis Magazine. "She was very brave to say that she needed a break because she wasn't feeling well mentally and the pressure was too much. She was criticized for that. The fact that Anisimova is performing so well after her return, reaching two Grand Slam finals, and how happy she is, is also good for other generations to see."

Lisicki knows plenty about resilience herself. A year into motherhood, she reflected on the many changes and challenges she has faced with her daughter, Bella. "It has been exciting. So much happens with a baby in 12 months. I thought I would definitely be playing tennis after nine or twelve months, because you always see how quickly players recover after giving birth. You don't see as many stories where the body needed a little more time. Every pregnancy and postpartum is different. I breastfed exclusively for a year. I hadn't realized how demanding breastfeeding is."

Her plan is still to return to tennis, though she has accepted that the timeline might be longer than expected. "That is the plan. I put maximum pressure on myself. So, I was glad to hear from the doctors that this process is normal, that the body needs more time. I want to get fit, and for that, it will take as long as it needs to. We will adjust the training plan accordingly."

Training sessions now often include Bella on the sidelines, creating a new dynamic. "I prefer to train in the morning because my daughter has a lot of energy and loves to come to the court with me. I'm happy about that, probably because I played a lot of tennis during my pregnancy. She likes the place, she knows it, and sometimes she falls asleep on the court in the shade. After training, we go back to the children's routine: eating, nap time, swimming, and playing."

She also drew inspiration from other mothers on tour, especially Tatjana Maria. "Yes, that's when I realized how different every mother's experience is and how you have to adapt to each child. ... Tatjana Maria, definitely. I have known her daughter Charlotte since she was a few months old. I have always taken my hat off to how she and her husband Charles have managed everything. It's wonderful to see, and of course, an incredible success story now with two children. I am so happy for both of them; they deserve it."

As for her own playing future, Lisicki is clear: there is no set end date, only the passion that continues to drive her. "I love playing tennis. Currently, I don't have a planned end date where I say, 'When I am this old, I will quit.' The fire has to burn. When it no longer burns, I will quit."