Amanda Anisimova opened a Wimbledon press conference on 6 July with tears, admitting she needed to fly home after a 3‑set loss to fellow American Madison Keys in the third round. The 24‑year‑old world No. 6, who entered the tournament hoping to improve on a brutal defeat to Iga Swiatek last year, could not hide the frustration that has lingered since February.
What happened at Wimbledon?
Anisimova fell 6‑4, 3‑6, 4‑6 to Keys on Centre Court, ending her run on Independence Day. The match saw her take the first set before the American rallied to claim the next two. In the post‑match press conference, Anisimova’s voice cracked as she described playing “at a 125,000 level, not Wimbledon.” She said she felt her forehand was off and that the joy of competition had vanished.
Why is this moment significant for Anisimova?
The loss marks the second time this season Anisimova has exited a Grand Slam at the third‑round stage, following a French Open defeat to Diane Parry in a third‑set tiebreak. She has not recorded three consecutive wins at any event since a Dubai title in February. The emotional outburst underscores a broader struggle: a dip in confidence and form that has kept her from capitalising on her top‑six ranking.
How does she plan to move forward?
Anisimova told reporters she will return to the United States immediately, taking time away from the tour to “figure out how to fix this.” She denied any physical injury, insisting the issue is mental and technical, especially her forehand. The American hopes to regroup before the US Open, where she is seeded and expects to defend her ranking points.
What does this mean for her upcoming season?
If Anisimova can restore her forehand and rediscover enjoyment on court, she could still be a contender at the home Slam. However, the lack of recent match wins suggests she may need a longer adjustment period. Coaches and analysts will watch her training camp closely, looking for signs that the “125,000 level” comment was a momentary lapse or a deeper concern.
How did the tennis world react?
Fans and fellow players expressed sympathy on social media, noting the pressure on a young star to perform at Grand Slam level. Commentators highlighted the rarity of such an open emotional display at Wimbledon, praising her honesty. The narrative now centres on whether Anisimova can translate this vulnerability into a catalyst for a comeback.
The next major test arrives at the US Open, where Anisimova will aim to silence doubts and prove she can compete at the highest tier again.