Iga Swiatek or Amanda Anisimova? Martina Navratilova’s prediction for ‘close’ Wimbledon final – Bundlezy

Iga Swiatek or Amanda Anisimova? Martina Navratilova’s prediction for ‘close’ Wimbledon final

Day Ten: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024
Martina Navratilova has named who she thinks will land the Venus Rosewater Dish (Picture: Getty)

Martina Navratilova has revealed her prediction for the Wimbledon women’s singles final between Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova.

Both players are making their debut appearances in a Wimbledon final as they look to get their hands on the famous Venus Rosewater Dish in SW19.

Swiatek, seeded eighth, has traditionally struggled on grass and is more known for her skills on clay but has made massive improvements this year.

The Polish star is a five-time Grand Slam champion – and given her experience of winning major tournaments – she heads in as the favourite.

But Anisimova, seeded 13th, cannot be ruled out after the American’s stunning semi-final victory over world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday.

Ahead of Saturday’s intriguing Wimbledon final, Navratilova, who clinched a record nine titles at the All England Club, has predicted this year’s winner.

Navratilova tips Swiatek for Wimbledon glory

Day Ten: The Championships - Wimbledon 2025
Iga Swiatek is a five-time major winner but usually struggles on grass (Picture: Getty)

‘I think it’s going to be close,’ Navratilova told the BBC. ‘But you have to go with Iga Swiatek.

‘The way she played [in the semi-finals], the way she’s been playing this whole tournament and the way she is looking and feeling.

‘She can absorb the pace of Amanda Anisimova. She moves better and she’s got a better return of serve.

‘In terms of the match-up, it’s pretty close, but I think the experience of Swiatek will come through. She’s never lost a major final.’

Swiatek: Anisimova’s game well suited to grass

Day Eleven: The Championships - Wimbledon 2025
Amanda Anisimova stunned Ayrna Sabalenka to reach the final (Picture: Getty)

Swiatek believes Anisimova – a big-hitter who has landed three WTA Tour titles to date – is well suited to the grass surface and is preparing herself for a tough match against a player she hasn’t faced since her youth days.

‘We played in juniors,’ Swaitek said. ‘She can play amazing tennis and she loves fast surfaces because she has a flat game and fast.

‘I will have to be ready for fast shots for her being proactive. I’m just going to focus on myself and prepare tactically tomorrow.

‘I know how she plays but we’ve never played a (WTA Tour) match.’

Anisimova: Swiatek is an unbelievable player

Anisimova, meanwhile, said: ‘Iga is such an unbelievable player. She’s also been an inspiration to me. Her work ethic and all of her achievements have been really inspiring. I’m sure it will be an amazing match.

‘Yeah, getting to compete against an unbelievable player again is going to be super special.

‘Hopefully I can bring some high-quality tennis and make it a battle out there.

‘I’m just going to go out and enjoy every moment and try to not think about what’s on the line there.’

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