Swiatek sets a record with Wimbledon win

Iga Swiatek snatched her sixth Grand Slam title on Saturday as the former world No. 1 hammered  Amanda Anisimova with an unprecedented 6-0, 6-0 title win at Wimbledon.

The love-love scoreline was the first here in the post-1968 Open era; Swiatek is the first from Poland to win a singles title at the grass major .

Swiatek needed 56 minutes to inflict herself on an American opponent who appeared to freeze in the spotlight. 

Nevertheless, Anisimova will break into the ranking top 10 on Monday, small consolation after a dismal performance punctuated by a complete breakdown of poise and form.

The sixth-seeded winner added the All England club honours to her four Roland Garros trophies and 2022 US Open title; Swiatek has never lost a Grand Slam final.

“It all seems super surreal,” the winner said. “Amanda had an amazing two weeks no matter what happened today..

“You should be proud of the work you’ve been doing.”

Swiatek, who benefitted from 28 unforced errors from her nervous opponent, said she could have never imagined this outcome

“It was just too far away. I’m an experienced player but I never expected this one. My team believed in me more than I did.

“Playing on centre court seemed like huge pressure, a bit too much. But this year I really enjoyed it. I’ve improved my (grass) game to be comfortable here.”

Swiatek said one Wimbledon quirk will always stand out for her: “I’ll always remember the popping of champagne corks between serves. That will keep me up at night.”

Swiatek, who had never been past the quarter-finals here (2023) began with a break of serve in a controversial 4 p.m. start – a bow by Wimbledon to global television pressure which may have backfired with world-class women’s and club football competing in the same time frame.

She was never tested in the 25-minute opening chapter as Anisimova struggled to find her rhythm, managing to win nine points to the 27 of  Swiatek.

The second set was the same story as a Swiaek return kissed the sideline on second match point to end the one-way final

The title broke a drought for Swiatek dating to the French Open 13 months, with the overjoyed player rushing into the stands fur hugs all around with her team and family members.

While a ‘double bagel” had never been recorded in a Wimbledon final, Garbine Muguruza earned the last love set against Venus Williams  here in 2017,

Swiatek was the first Pole to play a Wimbledon final since 1937.

Anisimova brushed back tears several times during the trophy ceremony.

“Even though I ran out of gas today and I wished for a better performance, the crowd lifted me up today.

“I’ll never forget this experience and all of these memories.”

The American was supported by her mother who flew in overnight for the final.

“My mom is the most selfless person I know, she’s done everything to get me to this point in my life,” Anisimova said. 

“I didn’t have enough today but I’ll keep putting in the work and always believe in myself. I hope to be back here one day.”

Main photo:- Iga Swiatek with the Venus Rosewater Dish – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd