Amanda Anisimova faced a daunting challenge during the Wimbledon women’s final on July 8, 2023, and ultimately suffered a heavy defeat to Iga Świątek. The match ended in a stunning 6-0, 6-0 scoreline, marking the first time since 1911 that a Wimbledon women’s final concluded without the champion dropping a single game. Anisimova, 23, found herself overwhelmed in her inaugural grand slam final, a stark contrast to the expectations set throughout her impressive tournament run.
A Challenging Final Experience
Competing against a five-time grand slam champion is no small feat, and Anisimova acknowledged the nerves that affected her performance. “I think I was a bit frozen there with my nerves and maybe the last two weeks I got a bit tired,” Anisimova said during the post-match press conference. The match lasted less than an hour, and Anisimova struggled significantly, recording 28 unforced errors and failing to find her serve.
Reflecting on her experience, Anisimova expressed her disappointment, stating, “It’s not how I would have wanted my first grand slam final to go.” Despite the outcome, she remained optimistic, vowing to come back stronger. “I told myself I’ll definitely come out stronger after this,” she added.
A Remarkable Tournament Journey
While the final was tough, Anisimova’s journey to that point was noteworthy. Ranked 12th in the world, she surprised many by advancing to the final, especially given the withdrawal of several top players. Her semifinal match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka showcased her talent, where she delivered a stunning performance that resonated with fans. Anisimova’s powerful backhand and determination captivated the crowd at Centre Court.
Unfortunately, the brilliance displayed in the semifinal did not translate to the final. Anisimova admitted to feeling fatigued during her warmup and struggled with the heat during her previous match, which may have contributed to her lackluster performance against Świątek. Nevertheless, she commended her opponent’s “incredible” display.
Following the match, Anisimova demonstrated remarkable poise during her on-court interview, despite the emotional toll of the defeat. She spoke about her journey over the past year, highlighting her time away from tennis to address mental health challenges. In 2023, she stepped back from the sport, refraining from playing for months to combat burnout. This time off allowed her to rediscover herself, engage with family, and explore new interests, including art.
When she returned to competition in 2024, Anisimova was determined to prove her critics wrong. She expressed that her fighting spirit had propelled her to the final, despite not performing at her peak throughout the tournament. “There were matches where I struggled and I wasn’t playing to my full potential,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of focus and resilience.
Looking ahead, Anisimova is eager to improve her game. She recognizes that the experience gained from her first grand slam final will prove invaluable. “There’s a lot of improvement,” she stated. “If anything, I think it’s more experience for me on how to handle nerves.” She plans to take a break to spend time with her family and friends, who have supported her throughout her journey.
As Anisimova reflects on this pivotal moment in her career, she remains hopeful for the future. Her determination and resilience suggest that while this chapter was challenging, it is only the beginning of what promises to be a bright and exciting career in tennis.
