Amanda Anisimova has impressed many at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, advancing further than most anticipated. Entering the tournament with strong momentum from reaching the Queen’s Club final and a quarter-final appearance in Berlin, the American has now positioned herself just two sets away from claiming the prestigious Venus Rosewater dish on Centre Court.
Among those taking notice is Andy Roddick, a three-time Wimbledon finalist, who has commended Anisimova’s remarkable progress in this Grand Slam.
Roddick Highlights Anisimova’s Renewed Enjoyment and Determination on Court
This season, Anisimova has demonstrated consistent form, including a title win at the WTA Qatar Open in February and significant runs at the Charleston Open semifinals and Roland Garros last 16, where she initially fell to Aryna Sabalenka. However, Anisimova exacted some measure of revenge by overcoming Sabalenka in three sets en route to her first Wimbledon final.
Roddick believes her resurgence is closely tied to a deeper love for tennis that was not as evident earlier in her career. He expressed his thoughts on his ‘Served’ podcast, stating,
“The biggest thing for me was four or five years ago, maybe when Anisimova didn’t enjoy the game as much, I do not remember these hustle situations, these one more ball situations, mixing it up,”
—Andy Roddick, former Wimbledon finalist
He added,
“It just didn’t seem like she was enjoying the fight out there. I don’t know if that self corrects if she did not step away and get perspective and choose the game of tennis again. Anisimova has chosen this second version of her tennis life and it shows when she plays.”
—Andy Roddick, former Wimbledon finalist
Roddick also acknowledged the dedication Anisimova showed in addressing these challenges during her development, saying,
“Maybe it won’t show all the time and I am sure there are going to be ebbs and flows but I don’t know if she handles it this well without being honest with herself and how she saw in the mirror and taking that time away. So credit to her, it was absolutely amazing.”
—Andy Roddick, former Wimbledon finalist
Previewing the Wimbledon Final: Roddick Sees Swiatek as the Favorite
Although Anisimova triumphed against world number one Aryna Sabalenka on her path to the final, her challenge is far from over. Her opponent in Saturday’s championship match is Iga Swiatek, who has also made her first Wimbledon final appearance this year.
The two players have not yet faced each other on the WTA Tour, adding an element of intrigue to their upcoming showdown. Both are eager to secure their maiden Wimbledon title, but Roddick favors Swiatek to come out on top.
Roddick explained,
“As we project forward I think Iga has to be the favourite but Anisimova has just been stepping up,”
—Andy Roddick, former Wimbledon finalist
He emphasized the importance of Anisimova’s serve and aggressive play, noting the stylistic differences between Swiatek and Sabalenka:
“Sabalenka’s power is different. She can take it inside the court but Swiatek is more like a mosquito. She is on you quicker than a bee who circles you and the bite is harder. Iga is just taking time away.”
Roddick further praised Swiatek’s speed and decision-making, stating,
“She is seeing the ball quicker than everyone else and making decisions and lightning speed. She is beating really, really, really good players badly. She rolled through Collins, rolled through Samsonova.”
Regarding Swiatek’s grass court performance, Roddick observed,
“That second set was tight and could have been a lot worse. But to beat Bencic 2 and 0 on grass, these are real scorelines. These are scorelines you see in junior tennis.”
—Andy Roddick, former Wimbledon finalist
The Significance of Anisimova’s Journey and What Lies Ahead
Amanda Anisimova’s run to the Wimbledon final represents a significant milestone in her career, reflecting a deeper passion and maturity in her approach to tennis. Her evolution, praised by a seasoned player like Andy Roddick, underscores the impact of mental resilience and dedication in elite competition.
Facing Iga Swiatek, a dominant player with multiple Grand Slam titles, will test Anisimova’s renewed resolve. This matchup will not only decide the 2025 Wimbledon champion but also showcase a compelling battle between emerging and established talent on one of tennis’s biggest stages.