American tennis player Amanda Anisimova faced a challenging defeat in her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, losing to Poland’s Iga Świątek with a score of 6-0, 6-0. The match, held on July 8, 2023, lasted less than one hour, marking a historic moment as it was the first time since 1911 that a Wimbledon women’s final was won without the champion dropping a single game. Anisimova, ranked No. 12 in the world, showed signs of nerves throughout the match, resulting in 28 unforced errors.
In a reflective post-match press conference, Anisimova acknowledged her struggles on the court, stating, “I think I was a bit frozen there with my nerves and maybe the last two weeks I got a bit tired. It’s not how I would have wanted my first Grand Slam final to go.” While she felt a mix of shock and disappointment, she expressed commitment to returning stronger.
Despite the heavy loss, Anisimova’s journey to the final was remarkable. She had faced several higher-ranked players in the tournament, including a dramatic semifinal match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Anisimova’s powerful backhand and competitive spirit captivated spectators, but the energy displayed in the semifinal did not carry over into the final.
Anisimova reflected on her recent experiences, sharing that the heat during the semifinal may have affected her performance. She had felt fatigued during her warm-up for the final but was quick to credit Świątek for her “incredible” performance.
In a moment of courage, Anisimova conducted her on-court interview after the match, despite her emotional state. She expressed gratitude for the support from her family and friends, emphasizing the importance of the journey she has taken to reach this point. In 2023, she temporarily stepped away from professional tennis to address burnout, allowing her to focus on her mental health and explore new interests, including art.
Anisimova returned to the sport in 2024 with a determination to prove her doubters wrong. Following her semifinal victory, she reflected on how her fighting spirit had propelled her to the final. “My fighting spirit has gotten me to the final today,” Anisimova noted. “It wasn’t me playing perfect…but staying focused and fighting my way through certain moments was the most important thing.”
Looking ahead, Anisimova remains optimistic about her future in tennis. She recognizes the areas for improvement in her game and is eager to build on the experience gained from her Wimbledon journey. “There’s a lot of improvement,” she stated. “If anything, I think 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.”
Before focusing on her next steps in her career, Anisimova plans to spend quality time with her loved ones, who have supported her throughout the tournament. With lessons learned and renewed determination, she aims to channel the emotions of her Wimbledon experience into future performances.
