A year after a devastating Wimbledon final, Amanda Anisimova returns to the All England Club, facing mixed emotions. At just 24, she experienced both the highest highs and lowest lows on the iconic grass courts.

In the previous tournament, Anisimova's impressive run to her first major final ended in a humiliating 6-0 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek, a scoreline that shocked the tennis world. Her then-coach labeled it as “the worst off day we have ever experienced.” However, she quickly avenged that defeat by defeating Swiatek at the US Open, showcasing her resilience.

Despite not replicating her best form in subsequent tournaments, Anisimova demonstrated improvement, narrowly losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the final, 6-4 7-6 (7-4). This match highlighted her growth and determination to overcome past setbacks.

Anisimova's journey has been marked by her ability to confront adversity, including re-watching her Wimbledon final defeat to prepare for future matches. “If you really put a positive mindset out there...you can have a positive outcome,” she stated, reflecting on her mental toughness.

Her early career was promising, reaching the French Open semi-finals at 17, but personal tragedies, including her father's death, led her to take a break from tennis for mental health reasons. This break proved pivotal, as she returned stronger and more focused, winning titles and reaching finals in subsequent years.

As she heads into Wimbledon 2026, Anisimova faces challenges, including a left wrist injury and a recent split with her coach. However, her sixth seed status and a less pressured draw may work to her advantage. With potential matchups against Sofia Kenin and Madison Keys, and possibly facing Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals, the path remains daunting.

Anisimova's remarkable talent and her ability to process setbacks may be her greatest assets as she aims to reclaim her position among the elite. She reflects on her growth, stating, “I have really worked on myself to handle those moments...even when it feels like ‘what is there to believe in’.” This mindset could be crucial as she seeks to turn last year’s lessons into future success.