On a radiant Saturday afternoon at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Iga Swiatek etched her name into tennis history with a breathtaking 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova, clinching her first Wimbledon title and sixth major overall. The 57-minute masterclass on Centre Court, witnessed by a captivated crowd and dignitaries like the Princess of Wales, marked the most one-sided women’s final at the All England Club in 114 years. As Swiatek celebrated her ascent to grass-court glory, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off a semifinal loss to Anisimova, appeared to offer a subtle nod to her Polish rival, igniting a flurry of reactions among fans who dubbed her the “queen of petty” for her cheeky gesture.
Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse known for her fierce competitiveness and vibrant personality, watched the final from afar after Anisimova’s 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 upset ended her Wimbledon campaign on July 10. On the day of the final, Sabalenka posted a selfie on her Instagram Stories, sporting a red shirt and white shorts—a color combination mirroring Poland’s national flag. Fans were quick to interpret this as a deliberate show of support for Swiatek, with one enthusiast exclaiming, “The way Sabalenka wore red and white today on purpose, she’s sooooooo SICK sksks 💀🇵🇱.” While some dismissed it as mere coincidence, others saw it as a playful jab, given Sabalenka’s reputation for bold, tongue-in-cheek gestures. The social media buzz amplified her larger-than-life presence, with fans reveling in her ability to steal the spotlight even from the sidelines.
The gesture carried added weight given the storied rivalry between Sabalenka and Swiatek. The two have faced off 13 times since 2021, with Swiatek leading 8-5, including a thrilling 2024 Madrid Open final where Swiatek saved three championship points in a three-hour epic. Sabalenka, however, turned the tables at the 2025 French Open, ending Swiatek’s 26-match Roland Garros win streak with a 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 semifinal victory. “It could not be more perfect than that,” Sabalenka said of her dominant third set in Paris, showcasing her ability to seize crucial moments. Her praise for Swiatek has been consistent, notably after the French Open when she predicted Swiatek would have beaten Coco Gauff in the final, a testament to her respect for her rival’s prowess.
Swiatek’s Wimbledon triumph was a personal milestone, marking her first professional grass-court title after years of struggling on the surface. “Honestly, I didn’t even dream of this, because for me, it was just, like, way too far, you know?” she said, her voice tinged with disbelief. The 24-year-old Pole, now 6-0 in major finals, credited lower expectations for her success: “I could really focus on getting better and developing as a player, rather than everybody just asking me to win, win, and nothing is good besides winning.” Her performance was clinical, with 78% first-serve accuracy and just 10 winners needed to claim 55 of the match’s 79 points, overwhelming Anisimova, who struggled with 28 unforced errors.
Anisimova, despite the crushing defeat, earned admiration for her journey to her first Grand Slam final. Having upset Sabalenka in a grueling semifinal, the 23-year-old American was candid about her nerves: “I was a bit frozen there, with my nerves. Maybe the last two weeks I got a bit tired or something.” She paid tribute to Swiatek’s dominance, saying, “You’re such an incredible player. It obviously showed today. You’ve been such an inspiration to me. Just an unbelievable athlete.” Swiatek, in turn, offered words of encouragement: “No matter what happened today, you should be proud of the work you’re doing.”
Sabalenka’s subtle nod added a layer of intrigue to an already dramatic Wimbledon narrative. Her choice of colors, whether intentional or not, underscored the complex dynamic of rivalry and respect that defines her relationship with Swiatek. As Swiatek celebrated with her team and shared a moment with actress Courteney Cox, Sabalenka’s gesture reminded fans of her knack for blending competition with charisma. With the US Open on the horizon, where Sabalenka’s hard-court dominance could challenge Swiatek’s versatility, their rivalry promises more fireworks, and perhaps a few more playful jabs.
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