US tennis star Amanda Anisimova debuts bold new look for Australian Open… after trolls forced her to take break
American tennis star Amanda Anisimova has made a shocking change to her performance at the Australian Open after choosing to go brunette.
Anisimova, 23, returned to tennis last year after taking an eight-month break from the sport to focus on her mental health, amid frequent reports from trolls about her appearance.
But almost exactly 12 months after ending her break, the former French Open semi-finalist has completed a stunning transformation after ditching her usual blonde hair for a brunette look.
Amanda uploaded a photo showing off her new hair color to Instagram and wrote: “Why not.”
At just 21, Anisimova briefly walked away from tennis after she was brutally mocked by social media trolls for having “giant breasts.”
Before announcing she was taking a break from the sport, the New Jersey-born star, whose parents emigrated to the US from Russia, shared a screenshot of a user’s cruel prank with her on Instagram.
American tennis star Amanda Anisimova has ditched her blonde hair for a new brunette look
Anisimova returned to tennis last year after trolls forced her to take an eight-month break
She previously had blonde hair during her tennis career before making the bold change
‘The most unathletic body ever! Narrow shoulders and gigantic breasts,” the post read.
She initially responded to the comment with “Thanks” and a kissing emoji before sharing it on her story, writing, “I don’t know what to think? lol.’
Anisimova then added, “The amount of people commenting on my body on social media every day… will never understand what the hyperfixation is about.”
After losing in the first round of the 2023 Madrid Open, Anisimova revealed she would be taking a step back from the sport as she struggled with her mental health.
“Hey guys. “I thought I would make a post explaining what was going on and what my plans were,” she explained. ‘Since the summer of 2022 I have really been struggling with my mental health and burnout.
‘It has become unbearable to be at tennis tournaments. Right now my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break. I worked as hard as I could to get through it. I will miss being there, and I appreciate all the continued support.”
Since her return in January 2024, Anisimova – currently ranked 36th in the world – has played twice at the US Open, French Open and Australian Open, reaching the fourth round of the latter competition last year.
On Tuesday she will face the Argentinian María Lourdes Carle in the first round.