What was billed as a Wimbledon women’s final few predicted ended as a match Amanda Anisimova will want to consign to history. Playing in her first Grand Slam final, the 23-year-old American was swept aside on Centre Court on Saturday, losing 6–0, 6–0 to a ruthless Iga Świątek in under an hour.
Świątek, a five-time major champion who has transformed her game on grass this season, became the first woman since 1911 to win a Wimbledon final without dropping a single game. For Anisimova, everything that had gone right over the past fortnight fell apart at once; for Świątek, everything clicked.
“I think I was a bit frozen there with my nerves and maybe the last two weeks I got a bit tired,” Anisimova said afterwards, speaking calmly despite the emotions of the moment. “It’s not how I would have wanted my first grand slam final to go. I think I was a little bit in shock after as well, but I told myself I’ll definitely come out stronger after this.”
A Brilliant Run, Cut Brutally Short
Despite the scoreline, Anisimova’s Wimbledon campaign was one of the stories of the tournament. Ranked No. 12 and not widely tipped as a title contender, she quietly navigated a draw that saw several favourites fall early. Her semifinal win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka played in sweltering heat was the finest performance of her year, showcasing her explosive backhand and fearless shot-making.
But none of that spark appeared in Saturday’s final. Her serve faltered, the errors mounted 28 unforced in all and the fatigue she had felt during the warmup never lifted. She later admitted the heat during the semifinal may have affected her recovery.
Still, Anisimova refused to diminish her opponent’s dominance. Świątek, she said, had been “incredible.”
Handling Defeat With Grace
Straight after the loss, Anisimova mustered the composure to take part in her on-court interview, a long-standing Wimbledon tradition. Fighting back tears, she spoke with striking clarity about what she called “one of the most difficult moments” of her career. She also paid an emotional tribute to her family and friends, who have been central to her journey.
That journey has been anything but straightforward. In 2023, Anisimova stepped away from the sport to confront what she described as burnout, spending months without touching a racket. The relentless touring schedule and the psychological strain of professional tennis had taken their toll on a player once hailed as a prodigy.
During her break she rediscovered balance, reconnecting with loved ones and exploring new hobbies, including art. Her return in 2024 was seen by some as overly ambitious; others doubted she could recapture her earlier form.
She proved them wrong.
After her semifinal win, she said it felt “special” to silence those doubts. “My fighting spirit has gotten me to the final today,” she said. “There were matches where I struggled, but staying focused, fighting through certain moments and lifting myself up was the most important thing.”
Lessons for the Future
Anisimova leaves Wimbledon convinced there are brighter days ahead. Reaching her first Grand Slam final has shown her the level required—and the areas still to improve.
“There’s a lot of improvement,” she said. “If anything, it’s more experience for me on how to handle nerves. It’s my first grand slam final, so at least I have that experience now.”
Her immediate plan, she added, is to rest and reconnect with family and friends who supported her throughout the fortnight.
Whatever comes next, Anisimova’s run at SW19 has reshaped expectations. The final may not have gone to script, but the tournament showed she has the game and now the experience to compete on tennis’s biggest stages.
