AMANDA ANISIMOVA DENIES TAKING OZEMPIC AMID BODY TRANSFORMATION CLAIMS

Amanda Anisimova has denied using the weight-loss drug Ozempic after fans speculated online about changes to her physical appearance. Writing on her Instagram story, the tennis player said: "To all the health experts and professional body commentators in the comments: I'm not taking Ozempic. Please leave me alone and out of your posts." The speculation followed posts Anisimova shared from her gym training sessions, with some fans suggesting she appeared leaner in recent photographs. Anisimova, who reached the Wimbledon final this year, did not offer further comment beyond the Instagram post.

Anisimova has said she previously faced body-shaming comments after a Wimbledon defeat, with some people describing her as "too fat" to be playing tennis, and responded at the time with a post showing herself in a swimming pool. She has said comments about her physique have featured throughout her career and, growing up, affected her deeply. Reports have said the scrutiny contributed to her decision to take a mental health break from tennis after the 2023 Australian Open. Anisimova has been ranked as high as world number three and is currently ranked world number 11, according to reports. Discussion of weight-loss medication, known as GLP-1 drugs, has been prominent in tennis this year, with Serena Williams speaking openly about using such medication to lose around thirty pounds after giving birth to her daughter.

Anisimova entered the Singapore Open to begin her Asian swing of the season but withdrew from the tournament at the last minute because of a wrist injury, according to reports. No date has been confirmed for her return to competition. Fans reacted to the Ozempic speculation by criticising the scrutiny of her appearance, according to reports. Anisimova has not commented further on the matter since her Instagram story.