Wimbledon final: Fairytale continues for reborn Anisimova

“I feel amazing. I mean, it's so exciting to be in the final here,” Anisimova said. “And yeah, I think I still can't believe it in a way.

“When I came here, I said that it was a super special feeling to be seeded here after losing in the qualies last year. Despite however I was going to do here, just being able to be in the top again at a career-high [ranking of No.12] just meant a lot to me.

“The rest I just told myself I'm going to compete and enjoy every moment out there.”

Her obvious joy being on court, and satisfaction with her increasing success, contrasts sharply with her headspace two years ago.

Anisimova announced in May 2023 she would take an indefinite break from tennis to address her mental health and counter burnout, saying it had “become unbearable being at tennis tournaments”.

Painting and listening to music were among the many outlets Anisimova explored as she reframed her approach to her daily life – routines which have continued into her comeback.

She returned to competition in January 2024 and, ranked outside the top 400, made a run to the fourth round of the Australian Open, where Sabalenka stopped her.

She ended 2024 inside the top 40 and has been brilliant in 2025, winning the WTA 1000 title in Doha and reaching the final at Queen’s Club. She also reached the fourth round at Roland Garros, where Sabalenka again stopped her.

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