Wimbledon 2025 has delivered a women`s final few pundits dared to predict. Set to contest the coveted Venus Rosewater Dish are Poland`s Iga Swiatek and the United States` Amanda Anisimova. Their paths to this point are as compelling as they are contrasting, culminating in a championship match that embodies both surprising mastery and remarkable resilience.
Swiatek Finds Her Footing on Grass
For Iga Swiatek, typically the undisputed queen of clay courts with multiple French Open titles to her name, a deep run at Wimbledon has often felt like a distant ambition. Her previous best performance was a quarter-final appearance, a modest result compared to her Grand Slam dominance elsewhere. Yet, the world number one has navigated the notoriously tricky grass surface with an evolving confidence that, by her own admission, has left her “surprised.”
Swiatek`s semi-final performance against former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic was a clinical exhibition, dispatching her opponent in just 72 minutes with a decisive 6-2, 6-0 scoreline. This dominant victory was a testament to her adapting game, showcasing power and precision that grass demands.
The lead-up played a crucial role. Having slightly underperformed (by her *own* stratospheric standards) on clay this season, Swiatek had more time to dedicate to grass-court preparation. A run to the final of the Bad Homburg tournament provided valuable match practice and a necessary confidence boost before arriving at the All England Club. Now, she stands on the cusp of a historic achievement: joining an elite club of players to have won Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces, mirroring the recent feat of Carlos Alcaraz.
Swiatek acknowledges the ever-present external pressure but feels she is handling it better this year. Perhaps the reduced expectation on grass, combined with focused practice, has indeed been the secret sauce to unlocking her potential on the lawns where she won the junior title seven years ago.
Anisimova`s Inspirational Comeback
On the other side of the net stands Amanda Anisimova, whose journey to this final is arguably even more improbable. Just two years ago, Anisimova made the courageous decision to step away from professional tennis to prioritize her mental health. This hiatus saw her ranking plummet, falling outside the top 400.
Her return has been a gradual, hard-fought ascent. This year has marked a significant turning point, highlighted by a title win in Doha and a steady climb back into the world`s top 10. But it was her semi-final victory at Wimbledon that truly signaled the magnitude of her comeback, stunning the world number one and title favourite Aryna Sabalenka in a gritty three-set battle (6-4, 4-6, 6-4).
For Anisimova, reaching her maiden Grand Slam final after overcoming personal adversity and stepping away from the sport is, in her own words, “indescribable.” Her path has been marked by significant challenges off-court, making her resurgence and deep run at Wimbledon one of the most compelling narratives of the tournament.
A Meeting Decades in the Making (Sort Of)
Adding another layer to this unexpected championship clash is a shared history that predates their professional careers. Swiatek and Anisimova first met on court nine years ago during the Junior Fed Cup. Swiatek, three months Anisimova`s senior, emerged victorious on that occasion.
Anisimova recalls Swiatek being a highly-regarded junior, with coaches predicting her future success. She has publicly expressed admiration for Swiatek`s work ethic and achievements, finding inspiration in her fellow finalist. Swiatek, in turn, holds great respect for Anisimova`s resilience and her ability to return to the sport at a high level after facing significant challenges.
As they prepare to meet on Centre Court, this final represents more than just a championship match; it`s a convergence of surprising mastery, inspiring perseverance, and a testament to the unpredictable drama that makes Wimbledon so special. For Swiatek, it`s a chance to conquer a surface that has historically challenged her. For Anisimova, it`s the culmination of a remarkable comeback story, a battle fought both on and off the court.
