Amanda Anisimova, last year’s Wimbledon runner-up, has made a successful return to the Grand Slam, defeating qualifier Lina Gjorcheska in the first round. The American player secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, advancing to the second round of the tournament.
Anisimova’s return follows a significant period of personal and professional growth. In 2025, she achieved a career-high ranking of world no. 4 and reached the finals of both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. Despite a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the previous year’s title match, Anisimova displayed no lingering effects as she dominated her North Macedonian opponent on Court Two.
Anisimova’s journey and performance
Gjorcheska, who is the first player from her nation to compete in a Grand Slam main draw, attempted to extend the match, but Anisimova’s performance proved too strong, concluding the contest in 61 minutes. Anisimova acknowledged the challenge of playing a qualifier, stating, “It’s not easy playing a qualifier who has had a few matches under her belt.” She also mentioned that Gjorcheska “played great” and that it was a “tricky first round” as they had not faced each other before.
The American player has been managing a wrist injury in recent weeks, which affected her performance in earlier tournaments this season. She lost in the third round of the French Open and withdrew from the Berlin Open, a grass-court warm-up event. However, she expressed optimism about her wrist, noting that it felt “not so bad after a few matches.”
Anisimova, who turned professional at age 16, reflected on her journey, stating she has “matured and grown so much” over the past eight years. She views herself as a veteran with considerable experience but still feels she has many years left in her career. Her focus has shifted towards finding joy in tennis and maintaining a balance between her professional commitments and personal well-being, especially after taking a break from the sport in 2023 due to mental health and burnout.
Her approach to the current season involves setting goals not tied to outcomes like winning or rankings, but rather on consistently doing the right things to achieve her aspirations, such as winning a Grand Slam or improving her ranking. She highlighted the importance of her team and the enjoyment she finds in their company, which contributes to her positive mindset both on and off the court.
Looking ahead in the tournament
Anisimova is now set to face either Petra Marcinko or Sofia Kenin in the second round of Wimbledon. She expressed her excitement about being back at the tournament, stating, “When I got here I was filled with great memories and I’m trying to carry that vibe … trying to enjoy each day here.”
The grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club are a surface she believes suits her well, and she rarely feels nervous playing there. She aims to approach the tournament without the pressure of past achievements, such as reaching the final last year, and instead focus on performing her best. Her next match will determine her progression further into the competition.
Anisimova’s victory on June 30, 2026, marks a positive start to her Wimbledon campaign.
Read Also
Source: thehindu.com
