Amanda Anisimova’s first Grand Slam final appearance is one she will want to forget.
The 23-year-old aimed to become the first American woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to win the Wimbledon title.
She entered the final with plenty of confidence after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in Thursday’s semifinal.
But it took less than an hour for Anisimova’s Wimbledon bubble to burst as she was defeated by Iga Swiatek, a now six-time Grand Slam champion.
John McEnroe was left shocked after watching Iga Swiatek beat Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon
Many expected a fierce battle between Anisimova and Swiatek, two of the best players on grass this season. But the 13th seed lost her serve in the opening game of the match and it was one-way traffic from that point onwards.
Anisimova made less than 50% of her first serves, won just 26% of her first serve points as she struggled to make any impact on the final.
It took Swiatek just 57 minutes to claim a historic 6-0, 6-0 win and lift the title that at one point looked as though it may elude her.
Post-match, John McEnroe expressed his shock and surprise at the result and praised Swiatek’s ruthlessness. “I think almost everyone is in a state of shock at what transpired,” McEnroe told BBC Sport.
“I have to hand it to Swiatek. I don’t think there are many people who saw this coming, that she would be this good on this surface, after the struggles she has had.
“So all credit to her. She played a fantastic hour. She played against someone who absolutely froze, which is really hard to watch. I feel terrible for her. Everything you work for, you get yourself back in the mix, top 10 is sort of out of the window.”
Iga Swiatek makes Wimbledon history after beating Amanda Anisimova in the final
Swiatek certainly made the most of her first appearance in a Wimbledon final.
Her 6-0, 6-0 victory is the first time in the Open Era that a player has won the Wimbledon final without losing a game.
This feat has not been achieved since 1911, when Dorothea Lambert Chambers defeated Dora Boothby. Post-match, Swiatek, who won the Wimbledon junior title in 2018, was absolutely elated with her latest success.
“I didn’t even dream about this because it felt too far away. I feel like I am an experienced player but I never expected this win,” Swiatek said.
“My team believed in me more than I did and I want to thank my coach who joined me this year. We have showed everyone that this is working. This is the best thing that a player can have.
“I want to thank everybody who makes this tournament so unique. There is no tournament like this. Centre Court felt like a lot of pressure but this year I really enjoyed it and I enjoyed my game here.
“And thank you, you guys [the crowd] for being a part of this and I will always remember the opening of Champagne bottles in-between serves!”
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