Anisimova breaks down in tears in emotional speech after Wimbledon final loss

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Amanda Anisimova was left in tears immediately after suffering the heaviest Wimbledon defeat in more than a century as she was demolished by Iga Swiatek.
The American, who had knocked out top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals, was helpless against the relentless barrage from the Pole, who claimed her maiden Wimbledon title.
Anisimova was broken in the opening game of the match and would surrender her serve five more times on route to a 6-0, 6-0 thrashing.
Not since Dorothea Lambert Chambers defeated Dora Boothby back in 1911 had there been such a commanding victory in a women's final at Wimbledon.
When Swiatek claimed the match Anisimova was quickly reduced to tears - she took herself off court before returning, but was still struggling to contain her emotions. The American re-composed herself before the trophies and the speeches, but when she was invited to speak took a moment.
She was chocking back the tears as she praised Swiatek's performance and those who had supported her, but confessed she "ran out of gas" as she apologised to the Centre Court crowd for not making it more of a contest.
Anisimova said: "Thank you to everyone that's supported me since my first round match here. You guys have carried me through this entire Championships. Even tough I ran out of gas a bit today and I wish I could have put in a better performance for you, you guys have been there for me and lifted me up so thank you so much."
She reserved special praise for her mother, who had flown in from America, declaring her the "most selfless person I've ever known" and claimed she would never have scaled such heights without her. "Thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of not flying in - it isn't why I lost here!" Anisimova joked with her mother rarely in attendance to watch her play.
The beaten finalist also added: "Thank you to everyone that put on this incredible tournament. It's been such a privilege to play here and get to this Championship match. I'll never forget this experience and all of these memories. Thank you to everyone that's been a part of this."
The Princess of Wales presented the trophies, congratulating the ball boys and girls on her way, with two very different emotions on display, but the new champion took time to hail Anisimova. The pair had not faced each other since they were juniors.
"First I want to congratulate Amanda for an amazing two weeks. You should be proud of the work you are doing and I hope we will play more finals here," she said.