LONDON — Just twelve months ago, Amanda Anisimova was grappling with disappointment after falling short in Wimbledon qualifying, her dreams of competing on the sport’s most prestigious grass courts dashed. Fast forward to today, and the 22-year-old American is preparing for a Wimbledon final—a stunning turnaround that underscores the unpredictable nature of tennis and the resilience of a player once considered the future of the game.
Anisimova’s journey from qualifier heartbreak to Grand Slam finalist is a story of perseverance, self-belief, and tactical evolution. Last year, after losing in the final round of qualifying to Ukraine’s Yanina Wickmayer, she admitted, “I tried not to think about Wimbledon after that. It hurt too much.” Now, with a place in the championship match secured, her perspective has shifted dramatically.
A Year of Reinvention
Anisimova’s resurgence didn’t happen overnight. After taking a mental health break in 2023, citing burnout and the pressures of professional tennis, she returned with a renewed focus. Working with a new coaching team, she revamped her game, particularly her serve and net play—crucial adjustments for grass-court success.
Key changes that fueled her 2024 Wimbledon run:
- Improved first-serve percentage: Up from 58% in 2023 to 67% this tournament
- Aggressive net approaches: Winning 72% of points at the net, compared to 52% last year
- Mental resilience: Saved 8 match points across her semifinal and quarterfinal matches
The Turning Point
Anisimova’s breakthrough came in the fourth round against reigning champion Elena Rybakina. Down a set and facing break points early in the second, she staged a remarkable comeback, later describing it as “the match where everything clicked.” Her 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory announced her as a genuine title contender.
By the Numbers
Anisimova’s statistical transformation at Wimbledon is striking:
- Aces: 38 through 6 matches (compared to 12 in 2023 qualifying)
- Break points saved: 68% (up from 49%)
- Winners: 22.3 per match (nearly double her 2023 average)
Overcoming Doubt
The road back wasn’t without challenges. After her 2023 qualifying loss, Anisimova dropped outside the top 100 for the first time since 2018. “There were moments I questioned if I still belonged at this level,” she revealed after her semifinal win. “But stepping away helped me remember why I love this sport.”
Her coach, Nick Saviano, noted the psychological shift: “Amanda’s playing free again. The pressure she put on herself early in her career is gone—she’s rediscovered the joy.”
The Final Challenge
Standing between Anisimova and the Venus Rosewater Dish is world No. 1 Iga Świątek, who has dropped just one set all tournament. The Pole holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage, though Anisimova won their most recent meeting at last year’s Australian Open.
When asked about facing Świątek, Anisimova smiled: “I have nothing to lose. A year ago I couldn’t even get into the main draw—now I get to play for the title. However it ends, this is already a victory.”
A New Chapter
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, Anisimova’s Wimbledon run marks the culmination of a personal and professional transformation. From teenage phenom to struggling pro to Grand Slam finalist, her journey serves as inspiration for players navigating the sport’s brutal ebbs and flows.
As she put it after her semifinal: “Tennis isn’t linear. Last year taught me that setbacks can set up the greatest comebacks.” For Amanda Anisimova, this Wimbledon final represents far more than a championship match—it’s the redemption of a prodigious talent who refused to let temporary failure define her career.