LONDON — Amanda Anisimova suffered a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat against Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final, a result that left fans and analysts stunned. The American, known for her powerful baseline game, struggled to find rhythm against the world No. 1, who dominated from start to finish. In a post-match press conference, Anisimova opened up about the real reasons behind her unexpected collapse.
Anisimova, who had been in strong form leading up to the final, admitted that a combination of physical fatigue and mental pressure derailed her performance. "Iga played unbelievably well, but I just wasn’t myself out there today," she said. "My legs felt heavy, and my mind wasn’t sharp enough to adjust."
Physical Struggles and Fatigue
Anisimova revealed that a grueling semifinal match against Aryna Sabalenka, which lasted over three hours, took a toll on her body. "I gave everything in that semifinal, and by the time I stepped on court against Iga, I was running on empty," she admitted. The 22-year-old cited several factors that contributed to her fatigue:
- Lack of recovery time between matches
- Minor muscle tightness in her right leg
- Dehydration due to London’s unusually hot conditions
Swiatek, known for her relentless intensity, exploited Anisimova’s physical limitations, dictating play with deep groundstrokes and precise angles. "I couldn’t move the way I wanted to, and Iga just kept pushing me further back," Anisimova said.
Mental Pressure and Nerves
Beyond physical exhaustion, Anisimova acknowledged that the weight of the occasion affected her. "It was my first Grand Slam final, and I let the moment get to me," she confessed. "I kept thinking about how big this was, and before I knew it, the match was slipping away."
Sports psychologist Dr. Rebecca Johnson, who has worked with several top players, weighed in on Anisimova’s mental battle. "Grand Slam finals are as much a mental test as a physical one. Amanda’s inexperience at this stage likely amplified her nerves," she explained.
Swiatek’s Dominance
While Anisimova’s struggles were evident, credit must also go to Swiatek, who delivered one of her most clinical performances. The Polish star won 80% of her first-serve points and committed just five unforced errors. "Iga was flawless today," Anisimova said. "She didn’t give me any openings, and when she’s in that zone, it’s nearly impossible to stop her."
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing result, Anisimova remains optimistic about her future. "This loss hurts, but it’s also a learning experience," she said. "I know what I need to work on—both physically and mentally—to come back stronger."
Her coach, Darren Cahill, echoed that sentiment. "Amanda has the talent to win Slams. Today wasn’t her day, but she’ll use this as fuel," he told reporters.
Fan and Peer Reactions
The tennis community rallied around Anisimova, with many praising her honesty and resilience. Former champion Martina Navratilova tweeted: "Tough day for Amanda, but she’ll bounce back. The way she handled defeat with grace shows her champion mentality."
Swiatek, too, offered words of encouragement. "Amanda is an amazing player, and I have no doubt she’ll be back in finals soon," the champion said during her trophy ceremony speech.
Conclusion
While the 6-0, 6-0 scoreline was brutal, Anisimova’s candid reflections provided clarity on what went wrong. Fatigue, nerves, and Swiatek’s brilliance all played a role, but the American remains determined to grow from the experience. "This isn’t the end of my story," she vowed.
As she prepares for the North American hardcourt swing, Anisimova will focus on recovery and mental preparation. If she can channel this defeat into motivation, her first Grand Slam title may not be far away.