The final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships ended in a stunningly one-sided contest, with Iga Świątek defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes. This marked Anisimova’s first Grand Slam final, but the experience turned into a nightmare as she faced the relentless Świątek, who claimed her first Wimbledon title on March 15, 2024.
Remarkably, this match featured one of only two instances in Wimbledon history where a singles final concluded with a double bagel scoreline. The last such occurrence was in 1911, when Dorothea Lambert Chambers triumphed over Dora Boothby. Świątek’s victory mirrored a similar domination seen in the 1988 French Open final, where Steffi Graf defeated Natasha Zvereva in just 34 minutes.
Anisimova, seeded 13th, struggled to find her rhythm against Świątek in front of a packed Centre Court audience and millions of viewers worldwide. During the customary post-match interview, Anisimova fought back tears as she reflected on the match, expressing her disbelief at the outcome.
“It was tough to digest,” Anisimova stated. “It’s not how I would have wanted my first Grand Slam final to go. I think I was in shock afterwards.” The emotional toll was evident as she struggled to articulate her feelings during the interview, wishing for a way to escape the spotlight.
Despite the crushing defeat, Anisimova took some solace in her overall performance throughout the tournament. She notably achieved a significant semifinal victory against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, showcasing her determination and resilience leading up to the final.
Reflecting on her journey, Anisimova shared, “I feel like the last two weeks have taught me that you’re never going to be perfect, and every match is different.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not succumbing to negativity during challenging moments.
Anisimova’s path to the final demonstrated her fighting spirit, evident in her ability to overcome obstacles along the way. “My fighting spirit has gotten me to the final today,” she said. “There were matches where I struggled and I wasn’t playing to my full potential.”
As she processes this tough loss, Anisimova remains optimistic about her future in tennis. Her experience at Wimbledon, despite the disappointment in the final, may serve as a valuable lesson as she continues to grow in her career.
