Amanda Anisimova is set to step back onto the hallowed grass of the All England Club, a year after experiencing what she described as an "insane" and devastating defeat in the Wimbledon final. The 24-year-old American endured a humbling 6-0 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek, a scoreline unprecedented at Wimbledon in over a century, which her then-coach labelled "the worst off day we have ever experienced." However, Anisimova's journey since that painful day reflects a remarkable capacity for resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.
The immediate aftermath of the Wimbledon final saw Anisimova demonstrate her fighting spirit. Just six weeks later, she exacted revenge by defeating Swiatek at the US Open, subsequently reaching another Grand Slam final. While she ultimately lost to Aryna Sabalenka in a tight two-set match, 6-4 7-6 (7-4), the performance showcased a player far removed from the "frozen with nerves" state she experienced at SW19. Her aggressive, first-strike tennis was evident, suggesting that the earlier trauma had not derailed her potential.
Anisimova's career has been punctuated by both immense promise and significant adversity. A teenage prodigy, she reached the French Open semi-finals in 2019 at just 17. However, her life was profoundly impacted by the tragic death of her father and coach, Konstantin, later that year. This personal tragedy, coupled with the pressures of professional tennis, led her to take a break from the sport for much of the 2023 season, prioritising her mental health and pursuing interests like painting and a degree in business and psychology.
The break proved to be a pivotal decision. Her return to the tour in January 2024 marked a resurgence, with Anisimova securing two WTA 1000 titles and reaching two Grand Slam finals. She also made her debut at the WTA Finals, reaching the semi-finals, a testament to her rediscovered form and mental fortitude. This impressive run followed a year in 2024 where she failed to qualify for Wimbledon, highlighting the scale of her comeback.
The current year, 2026, has presented its own set of challenges for Anisimova. She parted ways with coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers in March and subsequently missed two months of the clay-court season due to a left wrist injury. Her return at the French Open saw her exit in the third round, with evident rustiness impacting her performance. Similarly, she couldn't replicate her run to the Queen's final from the previous year, losing in the quarter-finals. Despite these recent setbacks, her history suggests a player capable of overcoming adversity and channelling past experiences into future success as she prepares for Wimbledon.
Source: Anisimova's former coach and personal statements