On a quiet clay court at the Hungarian national tennis center in Budapest nine years ago, two talented 15-year-olds competed in front of a small audience. Despite flashes of potential from both players, Iga Świątek secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Amanda Anisimova, helping Poland defeat the U.S. in the Junior Fed Cup.
Though Anisimova had a tough match, recalling those days still brings a smile to her face. “I really enjoyed those Fed Cup trips,” she says. “We had a great time.”
“She played very well back then,” Anisimova adds. “A lot of coaches said she would be someone to watch in the future. They were right.”
Many had similar predictions for Anisimova, and they, too, proved accurate. Now 24 and 23, Świątek and Anisimova are set to face off in the Wimbledon singles final on Saturday. Despite being close in age, this will be their first professional meeting.
Anisimova initially surged ahead of her peers as a junior, winning the U.S. Open junior title at 16 in 2017. By the time Świątek claimed her junior Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon a year later, Anisimova had already turned professional.
Her first major breakthrough came at the 2019 French Open, where she reached the semifinals. Meanwhile, Świątek had a quieter but notable run, making her first Grand Slam fourth round at the same event.
Anisimova’s rapid rise paused as she faced challenges adjusting to professional demands and coping with personal loss. After her father’s death, she took an eight-month break for her mental well-being, returning at the start of last year.
Her recent performances highlight the importance of stepping back when needed rather than pushing through difficulties. This week, she will re-enter the top 10, climbing to at least No. 7.
Anisimova’s exceptional shot-making sets her apart—her timing, technique, and coordination allow her to dominate from anywhere on the court. Yet the most striking aspect of her journey to this final has been her mental strength under pressure.
Throughout her career, her immense talent has sometimes been overshadowed by struggles with confidence and fitness. But in this tournament, she handled the weight of expectation, staying composed even when her opponent had chances to shift momentum.
While Anisimova’s path has had challenges, Świątek has continued rising, establishing herself as the top player of her generation with five Grand Slam titles.
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