Iga Swiatek Says ‘Tennis Keeps Surprising’ After Setting Up Wimbledon Final Showdown with Resurgent Amanda Anisimova…read more…
WIMBLEDON, London — World No. 1 Iga Swiatek once again proved her dominance on grass, but even she admits the journey to the Wimbledon final hasn’t followed a predictable script. Following a straight-sets victory over Elena Rybakina in the semifinals, the Polish star reflected on the twists of the tournament: “Tennis keeps surprising,” she said with a smile. Swiatek is now set to face a resurgent Amanda Anisimova, who has stormed into her first Grand Slam final since returning from a long injury layoff.
Swiatek’s quote was more than a casual remark—it was a nod to both her evolving comfort on grass and the emergence of Anisimova as a major threat. While Swiatek has been the most consistent player on the WTA Tour this season, extending her winning streak to 19 matches, Anisimova’s comeback run has been the emotional story of the tournament.
Swiatek’s Grass-Court Growth
Although Swiatek had conquered clay and hard courts with relative ease, grass had long been her Achilles’ heel. Prior to this year’s Wimbledon, the 23-year-old had never advanced past the quarterfinals. That changed emphatically in 2025. Swiatek hasn’t dropped a set all tournament and has dispatched top-tier opponents with clinical efficiency.
“I feel more balanced now. My movement is better, I understand the timing better, and I’ve just worked a lot mentally on adjusting my mindset on grass,” Swiatek told reporters after her semifinal win over Rybakina, the 2022 champion. “It’s taken time, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come on this surface.”
Against Rybakina, Swiatek displayed all the tools of a complete grass-court player: a crisp first serve, intelligent net approaches, and unrelenting baseline pressure. She won 6–4, 6–3, breaking Rybakina’s serve four times and committing just 11 unforced errors.
“Her ability to anticipate and redirect power is special,” said former champion Martina Navratilova during BBC commentary. “We knew she was great on clay. Now she’s great on everything.”
Anisimova’s Stunning Run
Amanda Anisimova’s road to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. The 23-year-old American had fallen outside the top 150 after a series of injuries and a hiatus in 2024 due to mental health struggles. Few predicted she’d make a splash at Wimbledon, let alone reach the final.
But Anisimova has defied expectations with each passing round. She upset world No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals and followed that up with a come-from-behind win against seventh-seeded Ons Jabeur in the semis, 4–6, 7–5, 6–2. Her fearless backhand, aggressive court positioning, and surprisingly consistent serve have been the foundation of her resurgence.
“I’m trying not to think too far ahead,” Anisimova said after her latest win. “It’s been an emotional couple of years, and to be here, in the Wimbledon final… I’m so grateful. I’ve worked hard, and it feels like the sport is finally giving something back.”
Her final opponent, Swiatek, was quick to praise her. “Amanda’s playing amazing tennis. We’ve known each other since juniors, and she’s always had great talent. I’m really happy for her comeback. It’s inspiring.”
A Clash of Styles and Emotions
The final sets up a fascinating contrast. Swiatek, the tactical and disciplined baseline dominator, faces Anisimova, a free-swinging shot-maker with nothing to lose. The two last met in 2022, with Swiatek cruising to a win at Roland Garros, but that was before injuries and confidence issues derailed Anisimova’s progress.
“She’s dangerous when she’s in rhythm,” Swiatek noted. “I’ll have to be sharp, focused, and ready for anything.”
Both players have unique motivations. For Swiatek, Wimbledon is the missing jewel in her Grand Slam crown. She’s already won Roland Garros four times and the US Open once. A title on grass would solidify her status as an all-surface champion—something few players in the modern era can claim.
For Anisimova, the final represents a second chance. A prodigy who reached the French Open semifinals at age 17, she has long carried the weight of potential. Now, with a more mature mindset and a balanced team around her, she appears poised to fulfill it.
The Global Spotlight
The final is expected to draw massive viewership, particularly as both players have large international fanbases. Swiatek is beloved in Poland and across Europe, while Anisimova, with her American roots and dramatic comeback, has captivated fans in the United States.
Sky Sports Tennis will provide live coverage of the final, while BBC and ESPN will also broadcast the match globally. The match is scheduled for Saturday afternoon on Centre Court.
Wimbledon organizers are thrilled with the storyline. “This is exactly the kind of final that reminds us why we love this sport,” said All England Club spokesperson Ella Granger. “One player looking to complete her legacy, another fighting to restart hers—it’s a dream match-up.”
Looking Ahead
Swiatek, still only 23, already has 22 WTA titles and five Grand Slams. A Wimbledon title would put her alongside greats like Serena Williams and Steffi Graf, who also conquered all surfaces early in their careers.
Anisimova, meanwhile, has the rare opportunity to announce her full return to the elite level with a title that seemed unimaginable just months ago. Win or lose, her journey has reignited conversation around mental health, resilience, and the depth of talent in women’s tennis.
“Tennis does keep surprising,” Swiatek reiterated. “You think you know how things will go—and then something, or someone, changes everything.”
On Saturday, two young women with very different paths will meet on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
And once again, tennis will have the world watching.
