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It all comes down to this. Saturday’s Wimbledon final features two players at very different stages of their careers, despite being only a year apart in age. World No. 8 Iga Świątek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, is chasing her first Wimbledon crown and further validation of her all-surface dominance. Across the net stands No. 13 Amanda Anisimova, in her first major final after a career-defining upset over the world’s top player, Aryna Sabalenka. Let’s break it all down.
Even though I picked Anisimova to win in three sets, in the exact order it happened: Anisimova to win set 1, Sabalenka to win set 2 and Anisimova to win set 3, the fact the 22-year-old took down No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set thriller: 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, was stunning. It was her sixth career win over Sabalenka and the most significant, as it punched her ticket to a Grand Slam final.
Anisimova’s two-handed backhand was razor-sharp, painting the line on the ad-side and punishing short balls. Despite Sabalenka’s 120 MPH serves and heavy groundstrokes, Anisimova matched her pace and outmaneuvered her in key moments. In a match dominated by short rallies (averaging just over three shots), Anisimova’s ability to strike early and dictate play was key.
Anisimova trailed early in the third set but broke Sabalenka twice in a row to seize control. She began to let it all slip through her fingers as Sabalenka was on serve down 5-4, but Anismova shut the door by breaking Sabalenka’s serve for the win. In a match that demanded composure under fire, Anisimova proved she could hang with and outlast the best.
The road to this final is even more remarkable considering Anisimova stepped away from the game in mid-2023 to address mental health challenges. Less than a year later, she’s in the biggest match of her life.
Świątek, meanwhile, has looked nearly untouchable during this fortnight. Her semifinal demolition of Belinda Bencic was a masterclass in control and aggression. In just over an hour, she dispatched the Swiss international 6-2, 6-0 behind a flawless display: 26 winners, 6-for-6 at the net and 5-for-5 on break points.
Traditionally strongest on clay, Świątek has elevated her grass-court game dramatically this year. She’s staying low, taking balls early and finding angles with precision. Her backhand is coming off the strings like a laser with minimal preparation. And unlike past Wimbledons, she’s no longer hesitating to drive through the court.
Swiatek’s 69% career winning percentage at Wimbledon is her lowest among the majors, but this run has marked a turning point. Her dominance over Bencic, who had played near-perfect tennis coming in, was as complete a statement as she could make.
This will be the first-ever singles meeting between Anisimova and Świątek – a rare occurrence for a Grand Slam final and a wildcard factor in how this match might unfold.
Świątek holds the experience edge. She’s 5–0 in major finals and has shown the ability to play her best tennis when it matters most. She knows how to manage the pressure. Anisimova, on the other hand, is entering uncharted territory and against perhaps the most relentless player on tour.
Still, Anisimova brings something that few others do: overwhelming baseline power. She’s been a fast starter throughout the tournament and has won 29 consecutive matches when she takes the first set. Her ability to take time away from opponents could test Świątek early.
The keys will be Anisimova’s serve and center court control. She’ll need a high first-serve percentage and clean execution on short points. If Świątek is allowed to get into rallies or take control of second serves, she’ll pick apart the court with her variety and angles.
Świątek’s return game, especially against second serves, has been lethal. Her +1 forehand after her serve has been a revelation on grass, and she’s striking the ball with decisiveness that’s new for her on this surface.
Expect Anisimova to come out swinging. If she can push Świątek back and avoid extended rallies, this could be closer than many expect. However, if the match becomes about consistency and court coverage, Świątek has the upper hand.
Swiatek’s first serve has quietly been one of her most valuable weapons during her Wimbledon run. She’s clocking up to 118 MPH and placing it smartly, especially out wide on deuce points. She’s been building points off her first serve with her best “+1” tennis of the tournament.
Against a power hitter like Anisimova, getting first serves in becomes even more important. If this final stretches to three sets, we could see Swiatek comfortably clearing this mark. Even in a straight-sets win, a high first-serve percentage and longer sets (with a potential tiebreak) would keep this target within range.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.