Iga Świątek had nothing but admiration for Amanda Anisimova as she reflected on the American’s journey back to the top of the sport following her mental health break.
Speaking ahead of their much-anticipated clash in the 2025 Wimbledon final, Świątek acknowledged Anisimova’s perseverance and emotional strength, saying she deserves “a lot of respect.”
How Did Amanda Anisimova Overcome Personal Tragedy to Reach Her First Wimbledon Final?
A former teen sensation who made waves at Roland Garros in 2019, the Florida native saw her early momentum derailed by tragedy when her father and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, passed away just days before the 2019 US Open.
In the following years, Anisimova struggled with her form and personal challenges, eventually stepping away from tennis in April 2023 to prioritize her mental well-being. According to the American, her decision to temporarily step away from the court didn’t receive much support from the tennis community.
Her return in 2024 was met with uncertainty, but through determination, she climbed back into the top 20 and even secured her first WTA 1000 title in Doha earlier this year.
Now seeded 13th at Wimbledon, Anisimova has stunned the tennis world with a remarkable run to the final, defeating the likes of Yulia Putintseva, Renata Zarazúa, Dalma Gálfi, Linda Nosková, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
“The moment of this young woman’s life”
Amanda Anisimova completes an extraordinary semi-final to defeat No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and book her spot in her first ever #Wimbledon final
Take. A. Bow. pic.twitter.com/WexH4VL2k2
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025
Meanwhile, Świątek, the eighth seed, also had a strong campaign, defeating Polina Kudermetova, Caty McNally, Danielle Collins, Clara Tauson, Liudmila Samsonova, and Belinda Bencic to reach her maiden Wimbledon final.
Sensational Swiatek strikes on Centre Court
Iga Swiatek produces a remarkable performance against Belinda Bencic to win 6-2, 6-0 and reach her first #Wimbledon final
A defiant semi-final showing from the No.8 seed pic.twitter.com/NGGOI62uIk
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025
When asked to reflect on Anisimova’s personal and professional resurgence, Świątek offered a thoughtful response during a post-match press conference following her semifinal win. “Anybody who struggles and gets back at a better level deserves a lot of respect,” she said.
“For sure Amanda is one of these players that kept going forward in tough situations. I always wish her the best. We’ve known each other since juniors.”
Iga Swiatek on Amanda Anisimova’s journey since taking a mental health break from tennis, ‘Anybody who struggles and gets back at a better level deserves a lot of respect’
Iga: “I haven’t followed her previous matches. Today I followed because I was playing after. I didn’t watch… pic.twitter.com/eS6YKhRELM
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 10, 2025
What Does Świątek Expect From Her Opponent in the Final?
Świątek admitted she hadn’t been closely following Anisimova’s matches throughout the tournament but acknowledged the threat she poses. “I haven’t followed her previous matches. Today I followed because I was playing after. I didn’t watch though,” she said.
“She must be playing great. She also had a great tournament before Wimbledon. She knows how to play on grass. With her game style, the surface fits her. So it’s gonna be a challenge. But I haven’t watched a lot. I’m gonna prepare tactically tomorrow and that’s it.”
MORE: Do Iga Świątek’s Parents Attend Her Tennis Matches? Everything to Know About Her Sister, Father’s Support and Mother’s Absence
