Two of the WTA\u2019s brightest lights — American Amanda Anisimova and Spaniard Paula Badosa — will meet in the third round of the Australian Open, both hungry for a return to form after sitting out most of the 2023 season.<\/p>\n
While they had very different reasons for missing most of last year, Anisimova and Badosa have more than a few things in common.<\/p>\n
Citing burnout amid the relentless stresses of the tour, Anisimova took dramatic action to prioritize her mental health by stepping away from the sport in May 2023.<\/p>\n
In contrast, Badosa\u2019s 2023 season started ominously with an abductor injury. Whether it was the so-called Netflix curse<\/a> or just a case of bad luck, a few months later, she pulled out of the French Open with a stress fracture in her lower back.<\/p>\n While Badosa spent the bulk of 2023 resting and rehabilitating her injury, and eager to get back on court, Anisimova put down her tennis racquet<\/a> on her own accord – taking a break to replenish her psychological reserves.<\/p>\n Anisimova took to art as a creative outlet to deal with burnout, mounting a gallery show and donating a portion of her painting sales to support causes close to her heart – mental health, child abuse, and hunger. She also continued work toward a business degree and minor in psychology. With her return to tennis, Anisimova says she plans to complete her studies<\/a> by taking remote courses through Indiana University.<\/p>\n \u201cFinding things that I like outside of tennis was a huge thing for me. I’m not just a tennis player, I enjoy doing other things,\u201d said Anisimova, during an on-court interview after her first-round 6-3, 6-4 upset over 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n In the second round of this year’s Australian Open, Anisimova clinically dispatched Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-3, showing spectators why she was once considered one of the sport\u2019s most promising teen players.<\/p>\nEarly Australian Open wins<\/h3>\n