Anisimova Admits Nerves Took Over in Historic Wimbledon Final Defeat to Swiatek

LONDON – Amanda Anisimova described feeling “frozen by nerves” as her Wimbledon dream ended in heartbreak with a crushing 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in Saturday’s final — the most one-sided women’s Grand Slam final in over a century.

The 23-year-old American, who was appearing in her first-ever Grand Slam final, made a remarkable run to the championship match just 18 months after returning to tennis following a mental health break. Despite her resurgence, the enormity of the moment and the physically draining two-week campaign under intense heat in London took their toll.

“I was a bit frozen there with my nerves,” Anisimova confessed. “Maybe the last two weeks I got a bit tired or something. It’s not how I would have wanted my first Grand Slam final to go.”

Despite the devastating scoreline, Anisimova will rise to a career-high world No. 7, a testament to her incredible comeback season. She has already captured the Qatar Open title in February and notably defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a grueling semi-final on Thursday — a win she now admits left her physically spent.

“I didn’t practice yesterday. I was really fatigued,” she revealed. “Even during the warm-up today, I had to take a break after every rally. My physicality is something I definitely need to improve.”

Swiatek, who captured her first Wimbledon crown in commanding fashion, showed no mercy as she dismantled Anisimova with relentless baseline aggression and impeccable court coverage.

Anisimova, however, is choosing to look ahead. She acknowledged that despite the painful loss, the experience has reignited her drive to achieve her ultimate dream — becoming a Grand Slam champion.

“It’s honestly like a fork in the road,” she said. “I’m going to choose the path of working toward my goals and try to keep improving. I hope to put myself in more positions and opportunities like today. That’s going to help me reach my goals.”

Since her comeback in January 2024, Anisimova has steadily climbed from outside the top 400 to re-establish herself as a major force in women’s tennis. Her breakthrough year, marred only by this emotional final, has positioned her as a rising contender on the global stage.