Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek to face off in Wimbledon final

London (TIP)- After two very contrasting semifinals, American Amanda Anisimova and Poland’s Iga Swiatek will face each other in the Wimbledon final on Saturday, July 12. Anisimova came through a long and grueling match against world No. 1 and fellow big-hitter Aryna Sabalenka, triumphing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 after a tense and often unpredictable deciding set.
The upset victory is a landmark moment in Anisimova’s career, coming 18 months after she returned from an extended break to prioritize her mental health. That time away from the sport will now seem worth it.
The 23-year-old has played some of the best tennis of her career at Wimbledon, much of which was on display against Sabalenka.
For Swiatek, it was a different story. She needed just an hour and 12 minutes – less than half the time of the first semifinal – to cruise to a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Belinda Bencic.
But like Anisimova, the five-time grand slam winner is also an unlikely finalist having historically toiled on grass courts, her game much more suited to the clay of Roland-Garros.
Something, however, has clicked for Swiatek at this year’s tournament, and against Anisimova she has the advantage of having played in five previous grand slam finals – winning them all.
Needless to say, it will be a fascinating contest when both players return to Centre Court on Saturday with a first Wimbledon title on the line.
Given her incredible achievement, Amanda Anisimova was in a remarkably relaxed mood during her post-match press conference.
Just as the media session began, Iga Swiatek booked her place in Saturday’s Wimbledon final and Anisimova said she was looking forward to testing herself against the Polish player.
The pair have not played against each other on the senior tour, last playing when they were both juniors.
“Iga is such an unbelievable player and she’s also been an inspiration to me. Her work ethic and all of her achievements have been really inspiring,” she said.
“I’m sure it’ll be an amazing match. Getting to compete against an unbelievable player again is going to be super special. Hopefully, I can bring some high quality tennis and make it a battle out there.
“But I’m just gonna go out and enjoy every moment and try to not think about what’s on the line.”
Anisimova also spoke about how important her prolonged break from tennis was back in 2023, when she was able to prioritize her mental health.
“A lot of people told me that you would never make it to the top again if you take so much time away from the game,” she said. “And that was a little hard to digest, because I did want to come back and still achieve a lot.
“So just me being able to prove that you can get back to the top if you prioritize yourself, that’s been incredibly special to me.”
Coming into this year’s Wimbledon, few would have earmarked Iga Swiatek as a potential finalist, even with her status as a five-time grand slam winner.
A clay-court specialist with four French Open titles to her name, Swiatek has struggled on grass throughout her career, only once advancing beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon prior to this year.
Moreover, she has struggled for form of late, failing to add to her 22 WTA titles since her French Open victory in 2024. But, as the Pole said herself after the impressive win against Belinda Bencic, tennis can always finds a way to surprise you.