Anisimova's Struggle with Nerves in Wimbledon Final

Amanda Anisimova's debut in a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon 2025 was a challenging experience. Facing Iga Swiatek, the 23-year-old American was visibly tense from the start, resulting in a 6-0, 6-0 defeat. This marked the heaviest loss in a women's final at the All England Club in over a century.

The Impact of Nerves on Performance

Anisimova admitted that nerves played a significant role in her performance. "I think I was a bit frozen there with my nerves," she said. Despite her impressive run to the final, which included a victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka, the occasion proved overwhelming.

Support from the Princess of Wales

After the match, Anisimova received comforting words from Catherine, Princess of Wales. "She told me to keep my head high," Anisimova shared. This interaction provided a silver lining to an otherwise difficult day.

Fatigue and Its Role

Anisimova also cited fatigue as a factor in her performance. She skipped practice on Friday and felt exhausted during her warm-up on Saturday. "The last few weeks have got to me in a way," she explained.

Learning from Defeat

Anisimova is determined to learn from this experience. She reflected on a quote by Marianne Williamson about pain and redemption, and the Rudyard Kipling poem 'If' displayed at Centre Court. "It's definitely going to stay on my mind the next few days," she said.

Expert Opinions

Former world number one Tracy Austin expressed hope for Anisimova's recovery, noting the additional pressure of Wimbledon. "Wimbledon adds another 25-30% of pressure because it is Wimbledon," Austin remarked.

Conclusion

Anisimova's journey at Wimbledon 2025, though ending in a heavy defeat, is a testament to the resilience required in professional tennis. Her ability to reflect and learn from this experience will be crucial for her future in the sport.