Coco Gauff's character shown after Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova's announcement

Amanda Anisimova will mark the proudest moment of her career to date when she makes her Grand Slam final debut against Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. And the American has figures like Coco Gauff to thank for their consistent support following her decision to take a break from tennis in 2023.

Anisimova, 23, announced her hiatus in May of that year, citing exhaustion and concerns for her mental health as the main reasons. A little more than two years later, she's set to move into the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time in her career, having been knocked out of Wimbledon qualifying last year. Her place in the Wimbledon decider was cemented with a hard-fought victory over top seed and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. And Anisimova said after her semi-final triumph that the result was a message to those who suggested she was wrong to take a step back from the sport.

"It was hard to digest people telling me you wouldn't making it after a long break," she said in her post-match interview. "I think it's different for everyone. It goes to show that it is possible. I think that's a really special message that I've been able to show.

"To be honest, if you told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon I would not believe you. Especially not this soon. It's been a year's turnaround. To be in the final is just indescribable, honestly."

Her qualifying exit in London last year meant Anisimova hadn't featured in the main draw at Wimbledon since 2022 when she reached the last eight. And she reemphasised how much it meant to show people you can take a hiatus and regain, or better, previous form.

"A lot of people told me that you would never make it to the top again if you take so much time away from the game," she added. "Just me being able to prove that you can get back to the top if you prioritise yourself [has] been incredibly special to me."

Gauff, 21, was one of those who empowered Anisimova for her brave decision, rather than tearing her down for prioritising her own wellbeing. And the current French Open champion showed her compassion immediately following Anisimova's announcement two years ago.

"I'd say when she announced the initial break, I was surprised," said Gauff ahead of the 2023 US Open in response to Anisimova's hiatus. "I don't think anybody was expecting it or anything.

"But I can understand really. There is probably a lot of players who need to take a break who don't take a break."

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Gauff also showed her understanding online when the news came that Anisimova wouldn't be on court for some time. She responded to her fellow prospect's Instagram post at the time with a string of love heart emojis.

She wasn't alone, either, as other WTA talents like Ons Jabeur, Paulo Badosa, Madison Keys and Priscilla Hon also messaged her support on Instagram. And those same sentiments from her tennis peers may have played a big role in putting Anisimova in contention for a piece of history.