Amanda Anisimova’s journey at Wimbledon 2025 ended in disappointment as she suffered a heavy defeat to Iga Swiatek in the final. The American player, who has been open about her mental health struggles, was visibly shaken after the match, which concluded with a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline. This loss marks a significant moment in her career, raising questions about her ability to rebound from such a setback.
The defeat comes at a crucial time for Anisimova, who took a hiatus from tennis two years ago to focus on her mental well-being. Her return to the sport has been closely watched, with many hoping she could leverage her past experiences to navigate the pressures of high-stakes competition.
The Weight of Expectations
Wimbledon is known for its intense atmosphere, and the pressure it exerts on players is unparalleled. Former world number one Tracy Austin commented on the unique challenges Anisimova faced, noting that the prestige of Wimbledon adds an additional layer of stress.
“This was a lot for Amanda to take on. Wimbledon adds another 25-30% of pressure because it is Wimbledon,” Austin told BBC Sport.
Anisimova’s experience is not unique in the world of tennis. Germany’s Alexander Zverev, for instance, has spoken candidly about feeling “lost” after enduring three consecutive Grand Slam final defeats. Yet, some players, like Jannik Sinner, have demonstrated resilience, bouncing back quickly after tough losses.
Learning from Setbacks
Anisimova’s approach to overcoming this defeat may draw on her academic background. During her break from tennis, she studied business with psychology at a university in California, which could provide her with tools to manage the emotional toll of her loss. She finds solace in literature, citing a quote by American author Marianne Williamson about pain’s transformative power.
“Pain can burn you up and destroy you or burn you up and redeem you,” Anisimova reflected, hoping these words will guide her recovery process.
Additionally, she finds inspiration in Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘If,’ particularly the line inscribed above the entrance to Centre Court: “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same.”
“I think it’s really helpful that that quote is up there and it’s definitely going to stay on my mind the next few days,” Anisimova told BBC Sport.
Support System and Future Prospects
Support from family and friends will be crucial for Anisimova as she processes this defeat. Her mother, sister, and nephew are in town, providing a comforting presence. Austin believes that Anisimova’s mental fortitude, bolstered by her support network, will aid her recovery.
“Having her people around will help,” Austin noted. “She might be able to quickly realise that it is her first major final against a former world number one who was 5-0 in major finals.”
Despite the setback, Anisimova remains hopeful. She acknowledges the difficulty of digesting such a comprehensive loss but draws strength from her past experiences.
“For it to be in my first Grand Slam final was definitely very hard to digest, but I’ve been in difficult situations before in my career, and I feel like I’ve learned so much from those moments,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As Anisimova looks to the future, she is determined to maintain a positive outlook. Her focus remains on keeping her head high and continuing to fight, ensuring she does not let herself down. The tennis world will be watching closely to see how she navigates this challenging period and whether she can emerge stronger.
The experience at Wimbledon 2025, while painful, could ultimately serve as a pivotal moment in Anisimova’s career, shaping her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
