Amanda Anisimova returned to Wimbledon on 1 July 2026 and crushed qualifier Lina Gjorcheska 6‑3, 6‑2 in just 61 minutes. The sixth seed fired 17 winners, claimed 83% of her first‑serve points and showed no trace of last year’s final loss.
How did the match unfold?
Anisimova opened the first set with a blistering serve, earning two early breaks. Gjorcheska struggled to find rhythm, double‑faulting five times. By the ninth game the American led 5‑3, then sealed the set with a clean forehand winner. The second set mirrored the first: Anisimova’s aggressive baseline play forced three break points, all converted. Gjorcheska managed a solitary hold, but the gap was too wide. The match wrapped in just over an hour, a stark contrast to the three‑hour battle Anisimova endured in the 2025 final.
Why is this win significant for Anisimova?
The victory marks Anisimova’s first Wimbledon appearance since her double‑bagel defeat to Iga Swiatek in the 2025 final. She entered the tournament with a 24‑year‑old profile and a recent surge in confidence after a strong hard‑court swing. The dominant performance suggests she has shed the mental scars of that loss. Moreover, the 83% first‑serve conversion rate is the highest of her Grand Slam career, hinting at a technical tweak that paid off.
What historic note does Gjorcheska bring?
At 31 years and 330 days, Lina Gjorcheska became the oldest woman to make a Grand Slam debut since Francoise Repoux in 1971. She also earned the distinction of being the first player from North Macedonia to appear in a major singles main draw. While the result was one‑sided, her presence added a unique footnote to Wimbledon’s 2026 narrative.
Who awaits Anisimova in the next round?
Anisimova’s next opponent is 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who dispatched Petra Marcinko 7‑6(4), 6‑4 in an all‑American clash. Kenin, a former world No. 4, brings a contrasting style—steady baseline rallies and crafty drop shots. The upcoming second‑round duel pits two former Grand Slam finalists against each other, promising a high‑stakes encounter on Centre Court.
What does this mean for the rest of the tournament?
Anisimova’s swift win positions her as a dark horse for a deep run. If she can maintain the serve efficiency displayed against Gjorcheska, she could challenge the top seeds early. The match also underscores the depth of the women’s draw, where qualifiers can set historic milestones while seasoned stars battle for supremacy.
Stat line: 6‑3, 6‑2; 61 min; 17 winners; 83% first‑serve points; 2nd round opponent Sofia Kenin.
The Wimbledon fortnight just got more intriguing, and Anisimova’s resurgence is the story to watch.