Amanda Anisimova broke down in tears after suffering the most brutal Wimbledon final defeat in history to Iga Swiatek on Saturday.
Anisimova lost 6-0 6-0 in under an hour, failing to win a single game in humiliating scenes for the American 13th-seed on Centre Court.
There had only been one 6-0 6-0 women’s singles final scoreline in the history of Wimbledon before Swiatek’s crushing win over Anisimova – when Dorothea Lambert Chambers beat Dora Boothby in 1911.
Meanwhile, Swiatek is the only the second player in the Open Era to win a women’s singles major final via a double bagel after Steffi Graf at the 1988 French Open.
Anisimova, 23, cried throughout her on-court interview after her historic and embarrassing defeat, after the player was consoled by Princess Kate.
Annabel Croft, who was conducting the interview, halted their conversation at one point to let Anisimova compose herself.
‘I could have put in a better performance’
‘Thank you Iga,’ Anisimova said. ‘You’re such an incredible player and it obviously showed today. You’ve been such an inspiration to me.
‘You’ve had such an incredible two weeks here. Getting to your first Wimbledon final here and winning is so special. Well done to you and your team.
‘Thank you to everyone that’s supported me since my first round match here. You guys have carried me through this entire Championships.
‘Even tough I ran out of gas a bit today and I wish I could have put in a better performance for you, you guys have been there for me and lifted me up so thank you so much.
‘Thank you to everyone that put on this incredible tournament. It’s been such a privilege to play here and get to this Championship match.
‘I’ll never forget this experience and all of these memories. Thank you to everyone that’s been a part of this.’
‘I know I didn’t have enough today’
Anisimova added: ‘To my pretty small box over there; you guys have been there for me. Some of my family have flown in, it’s been unbelievable to experience this with you all.
‘I wouldn’t be standing here if you guys didn’t fly in and support me throughout the tournament.
‘You guys were that extra inspiration and motivation. You’ve always believed in me. My mum flew in this morning I would definitely not be standing here without [her].
‘My mum’s put in more work than I have honestly. Guys I’m so sorry, a few more words. My mum is the most selfless person I know. She’s done everything to get me to this point in my life.
‘Thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of flying in – it’s definitely not why I lost today. I’m so happy that I get to share this moment and for you to be here and to witness this in person.
‘You don’t get to witness me live much anymore because you do so much for me and my sister but I love you so much.
‘Thank you to my team for everything in the last year, you guys have made it so enjoyable. You’ve taken care of me. I don’t have the words. I’m so so thankful. I just love you guys.
‘Lastly, I know I didn’t have enough today but I’ll keep putting in the work. I keep believing in myself and I hope to be back here one day. Thank you everyone.’
