Tennis world reacts to Wimbledon final h0rror as Kate Middleton watches on
Princess Kate made her anticipated return to Wimbledon following her cancer battle, but the occasion was overshadowed by one of the most lopsided finals in the tournament’s history.
A Historic Defeat on Centre Court
On Saturday, fans witnessed a historic blowout as Iga Swiatek defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes — marking the first double-bagel women’s final at Wimbledon since 1911. The match was over so quickly and decisively that many described it as uncomfortable to watch.
Anisimova, who had stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, was overwhelmed by the occasion and visibly emotional during the post-match trophy ceremony. “I was a bit frozen there with my nerves,” she admitted. “It’s not how I would have wanted my first Grand Slam final to go.”
Outpouring of Support for Anisimova
Despite the crushing loss, the tennis world rallied around the 23-year-old American. Rafael Nadal wrote on X, “Be proud, Anisimova Amanda, Grand Slam finalist.” Coco Gauff added, “So much to be proud of Amanda. Keep your head up.” Nick Kyrgios echoed the sentiment with: “Amanda!!! Slam finalist!!! Head up.”
Commentator Rennae Stubbs defended her fiercely: “Anyone who goes on social media to trash Amanda needs to really check themselves. She’s overcome a lot — including losing her father as a teenager. She’s a lovely kid, so chill.”
Other prominent voices, like Brad Gilbert and Craig Gabriel, expressed deep sympathy, while journalist Chris Oddo praised her composure: “Amanda Anisimova crushed her speech in the most beautiful, serene way… I have so much respect for how she pulled it together.”
Even amid the sympathy, some internet jokes made the rounds: “This final could have been an email,” one user quipped, noting how fast it ended.
Swiatek’s Dominance and Career Milestone
Swiatek, 24, delivered a near-perfect performance and claimed her first Wimbledon title — becoming the first Polish player to win singles at the All England Club and the second woman in the Open Era to win a major final without conceding a game, after Steffi Graf in 1988.
“It seems super surreal,” she said. “I didn’t even dream about it — it was too far away. But this year I really enjoyed it, and I improved my form here.”
She lost just one set during the tournament and said she’ll always remember “the opening of champagne bottles between serves. It’s a sound that will keep me awake at night.”
Swiatek now holds six Grand Slam titles — four French Opens, the 2022 US Open, and now Wimbledon — and remains undefeated in major finals.
Anisimova’s Tough Day and Future Promise
From the start, Anisimova struggled with nerves. She was broken in the opening game and double-faulted twice by 3-0. The first set was sealed in 25 minutes with the American committing 14 unforced errors and winning just six points on her serve.
The second set mirrored the first, with Anisimova unable to recover. She ended the match with 28 unforced errors, visibly shaken but still dignified in defeat.
Her emotional runner-up speech touched many. “I know I didn’t have enough today but I’ll keep putting in the work,” she said. “I hope to be back here one day.”
She acknowledged the nerves, exhaustion from the past two weeks, and the shock of how the final unfolded: “That’s not an easy thing to go through, losing 6-0, 6-0 in a Grand Slam final. But I’ll definitely come out stronger after this. I’ll use it as motivation.”
Despite the result, Anisimova will rise to No. 7 in the world rankings — a career high.
A Royal Presence Amid the Drama
Princess Kate’s presence added royal significance to the final, even if the match didn’t deliver the competitive drama fans hoped for. Her return to Centre Court, following treatment for cancer, was a symbol of resilience — though the day’s spotlight ultimately shifted to the contrasting fortunes of two young athletes at vastly different points in their journey.
