SPOTLIGHT ON AMANDA ANISIMOVA

AMANDA ANISIMOVA CC

6–0, 6–0! That was the historic score that concluded the 2025 Wimbledon final. The Polish player Iga Swiatek inflicted a crushing defeat on the American Amanda Anisimova. Such a scenario had occurred only once before in the history of the Grand Slams: in 1988, Steffi Graf defeated Natasha Zvereva 6–0, 6–0 in the final of French Open.

Iga Swiatek, as any knowledgeable observer knows, is one of the most dominant champions of recent years. At only 24 years old, the world No. 2 already has six Grand Slam titles. As for Amanda Anisimova, her career path is less dazzling than that of her rival, yet she still reached the semi-final of the French Open in 2019 and the quarter-final of Wimbledon Championships in 2022, before going through a difficult two-year period.

The sudden death of her father, who was also her coach, in 2020 halted her progress. Injuries then disrupted her 2021 season. In 2022, she returned to the world stage with a strong run on the London grass, before a second break in May 2023: this time, it was her mental health that took precedence. “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022,” she confided. She left the professional circuit to devote herself to painting, personal projects, and resuming her studies. “Competing in tournaments had become unbearable. Right now, my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break. I’ve worked hard to overcome this ordeal. I will miss it, and I appreciate all your support.”

With admirable mental strength, she resumed training and competition in 2024. A modest start that nevertheless led her to the greatest highlight of her sporting career: the final of the London Grand Slam. A genuine surprise guest! But her hopes were quickly crushed by an implacable Iga Swiatek, and the famous 6–0, 6–0. Her tears during the trophy ceremony, relayed around the world, raised fears of a new mental collapse. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Back home, Amanda returned to work, doubled her efforts, and relentlessly attacked her weaknesses, driven by renewed energy. A few weeks later, against all expectations, she returned for another major tournament: the US Open. The public was skeptical. Fans were tense. Enthusiasts of the yellow ball doubted. It seemed impossible to recover from such a setback in so little time. But the young woman firmly believed in her chances. Racket in hand, determination in her eyes, she advanced round after round until the quarter-finals. The event took such an incredible turn that all fans held their breath.

If she won this match, her opponent in the next round would be… Iga Swiatek. The world No. 2 had qualified for the semi-finals after an impeccable run, conceding only one set. But events took a completely different turn. Amanda Anisimova adopted an offensive strategy, attacking relentlessly and giving her opponent no time to construct her game. The psychological advantage clearly shifted sides. With a score of 6–4, 6–3, she defeated the Polish player, achieving what was probably one of the most spectacular comebacks in the history of sport.

“I think it took me some time to digest the Wimbledon loss, but I didn’t stay stuck on it,” she explained. “Once the tournament was over, I quickly shifted my focus to the present moment. I took time to reset and enjoy myself a little. Then, in Miami, I worked hard and felt excited about starting the North American tour. That’s when I finally moved on.”

One can only admire such strength of character. Her resilience defies imagination. Having qualified for the semi-final of the US Open, she faced another “returnee”: Naomi Osaka. The Japanese player was also making a thunderous comeback after being away from the courts for mental-health reasons and then for maternity. The American won the match and qualified for the first Grand Slam final of her career.

Sources :

https://www.eurosport.fr/tennis/us-open/2025/us-open-2025-simple-dames-apres-le-6-0-6-0-de-la-finale-de-wimbledon-amanda-anisimova-retrouve-iga-swiatek-peut-elle-sen-relever_sto23217863/story.shtml

https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4356199/amanda-anisimova-beats-iga-swiatek-us-open-quarterfinals

https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2025-09-03/no_2_swiatek_is_upset_at_2025_us_open_anisimova_gets_her_revenge.html

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/22/former-teen-prodigy-amanda-anisimova-career-saving-break-french-open-tennis