Iga Swiatek secured her first Wimbledon title on Saturday, convincingly defeating Amanda Anisimova. With this victory, she remains undefeated in Grand Slam finals, although the Polish player never expected to win a grass tournament.
Swiatek did not lose a single game in the final against the American Anisimova. She is also the first Polish player to win the Wimbledon singles title.
“It feels surreal. I am an experienced player, but I didn’t even dare to dream of this. Winning Wimbledon always felt very far away,” said the 24-year-old former world number one after the match on Centre Court.
Swiatek has now won all six of her Grand Slam finals. She has been the strongest on Roland Garros four times and once at the US Open. Only the Australian Open is missing from her list.
Swiatek hopes to face her opponent Anisimova more often in finals. “It doesn’t matter what happened today. You can be proud of yourself and the tournament you played.”
Anisimova’s mother’s superstition not broken
Anisimova burst into tears after her heavy defeat against Swiatek. It was the first Grand Slam final for the 23-year-old student of Dutch coach Rick Vleeshouwers. Anisimova had hoped for more.
“It’s really a shock, but the tank was empty. I would have liked to have given you a better performance,” Anisimova told the audience. “You have always supported me.”
The final was also emotional because Anisimova’s mother is not often present at matches. The finalist’s mother is afraid that her daughter will lose if she comes to watch. “I’m glad you were there and put an end to the superstition of not coming. Your presence is not the reason I lost,” Anisimova addressed her mother.
Anisimova expects it will not be her last final on the grass of Wimbledon. “I couldn’t bring enough today, but I will continue to work hard to be here again someday.”
