Overcoming the Wimbledon Nightmare
NEW YORK — When Amanda Anisimova woke up 53 days ago before the Wimbledon final, she sensed something was amiss. It could have been anxiety or sheer exhaustion from reaching unprecedented heights in a Grand Slam. Whatever the reason, during her warm-up for the biggest match of her career, she struggled to hit more than a few balls without stopping for breaks.
A Devastating Loss
This led to a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat against Iga Swiatek, a moment any player dreads. On the grandest stage of tennis, Anisimova faltered completely.
Facing the Champion Again
Fast forward to Wednesday, as Anisimova stepped onto the court for a U.S. Open quarterfinal against the same opponent, who had carried her Wimbledon triumph into the hard court season and was poised to add a seventh major title. Anisimova has enough experience to know that each match is unique—the court, the balls, and the atmosphere all differ. Yet, no one can discard the emotional scars of past experiences.
A Magical Turnaround
What unfolded over the next 96 minutes was truly remarkable. Anisimova turned her humiliation in London into a stunning victory in New York, defeating the second-seeded Swiatek 6-4, 6-3. This triumph secured her a place in the U.S. Open semifinals and an opportunity for redemption.
Proving Her Potential
“Today’s victory is the most meaningful I’ve had,” she stated. “I now believe in my ability to compete at the highest level against top players.” Anisimova has been making a comeback after taking a mental health break in 2023 due to burnout and the emotional pain of her father’s unexpected passing.
A Different Match Experience
On quick hard courts, her powerful backhand poses a constant threat. Swiatek recognized this but also anticipated a challenge this time. “Everyone knows Amanda’s potential,” she remarked, acknowledging that unlike Wimbledon, Anisimova wasn’t going to succumb so easily.
Embracing Challenges
The match began with tension; Swiatek quickly broke Anisimova’s serve, causing anxious murmurs among the audience. However, Anisimova quickly responded, breaking back and settling into the match, shedding the weight of the past. Moving forward, she demonstrated superior play and resilience, and it was Swiatek who began to feel the pressure.
