Amanda Anisimova’s journey through the 2025 tennis season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—one that has seen her plummet to the depths of defeat and soar to the heights of redemption. Just a few months ago, in the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, Anisimova faced a crushing loss at the hands of Iga Swiatek. The final score was a double bagel: 6-0, 6-0. For many, such a defeat could have marked the end of a dream. But for Anisimova, it became the spark that reignited her competitive fire.
Fast forward to September 3, 2025, and the American found herself once again staring across the net at Swiatek, this time under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. The stakes were high, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Anisimova, just 24 years old, had never made it past the third round in New York before this year. Yet here she was, in the quarterfinals, ready to rewrite her story.
Preparation for this rematch took a unique turn. On the eve of the match, Anisimova did something she’d been avoiding for nearly two months—she rewatched the Wimbledon final. “Nobody told me to,” she admitted during her post-match press conference, grinning at the memory. The decision, she explained, was about learning: “The idea was to see what I can avoid or what went wrong.” What she saw, she recalled with a laugh, was herself being “slow as hell.” She continued, “I’m a human, and some people just freeze sometimes.”
But when the match began on Wednesday, there was no freezing—just fierce determination. The opening game was déjà vu, with Anisimova dropping her first service game, echoing the start of her Wimbledon nightmare. Yet this time, the narrative flipped. She broke back immediately, sending a message to Swiatek and the crowd that this was going to be a different day. From there, Anisimova’s trademark power and precision took center stage. Her backhand, frequently described as one of the sport’s most devastating shots, was on full display, sending Swiatek scrambling from corner to corner.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion who had never lost a major final before, struggled to find her rhythm. Her usually reliable first serve faltered, and Anisimova pounced on every opportunity. The American kept Swiatek deep behind the baseline, dictating rallies with fearless groundstrokes and a newfound sense of calm. The first set was a tightly contested affair, but Anisimova’s composure proved decisive as she clinched it 6-4.
Arthur Ashe Stadium erupted with each winner, the crowd sensing that something special was unfolding. At 2-2 in the second set, Anisimova showcased her improved speed and agility, outlasting Swiatek in a punishing rally that ended with the Pole netting a backhand. The momentum was now firmly with the American. Swiatek’s frustration became evident as she double-faulted at a crucial juncture, handing Anisimova the chance to serve for the match.
With nerves of steel, Anisimova closed out the contest 6-4, 6-3. The victory wasn’t just a triumph over Swiatek’s formidable record—it was a personal redemption, proof that she could overcome the kind of loss that shatters confidence. As she shook her fist in celebration, the crowd’s roar seemed to wash away the memories of Wimbledon’s heartbreak.
This win was more than just a scoreline. It was the latest chapter in a story defined by resilience. Anisimova’s path to this moment has been anything but straightforward. She burst onto the scene as a teenager, reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at just 17 years old in 2019. But that same year, tragedy struck when her father and coach, Konstantin Anisimov, died unexpectedly. The loss left a void that no trophy could fill.
The years that followed were marked by struggle. In 2023, at the age of 21, Anisimova made the difficult decision to step away from professional tennis. She described life on tour as “unbearable,” a sentiment that resonated with many who have witnessed the toll that elite sports can take on young athletes. During her eight-month hiatus, Anisimova explored new passions—taking college classes, discovering a love for painting, and, perhaps most importantly, finding a therapist who specialized in trauma. According to a profile by New York’s Caira Conner, Anisimova’s recovery was gradual but profound: “In the way she tells it, she kind of just realized, one day, that she was feeling a little better. Then a lot better. She’s still feeling that way today.”
Returning to the court was a victory in itself. Making it to the Wimbledon final, despite the outcome, was another. But it was her ability to stand before millions after such a defeat and deliver a heartfelt, optimistic speech that truly defined her character. “I always believe in myself,” she told the crowd at Wimbledon, voice trembling but resolute. “So I hope to be back here again one day.”
She didn’t have to wait long. Her performance at the US Open has been a testament to her growth, both as a player and as a person. After dispatching Swiatek, Anisimova looked ahead to the semifinals, where she would face either Naomi Osaka or Karolina Muchova—both formidable opponents. The prospect of an Anisimova-Osaka showdown had fans buzzing, with many predicting it could be one of the tournament’s highlights.
Reflecting on her journey, Anisimova shared, “I’m living out my dreams, and I’m in a really good place in my life. I’m happy every single day, which I really wasn’t a couple of years ago.” Her words resonated with those who have followed her ups and downs, serving as a reminder that the path to success is rarely linear.
As the US Open heads into its final stages, Amanda Anisimova stands as a symbol of perseverance and hope. Her victory over Swiatek wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard—it was a statement to herself and the world that setbacks can be overcome, and that the future remains bright for those who refuse to give up. With the semifinals looming, all eyes will be on Anisimova to see if she can continue her remarkable run and perhaps, just perhaps, claim her first Grand Slam title.
