On a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Iga Swiatek etched her name into tennis history with a breathtaking performance in the 2025 Wimbledon women’s singles final. The 24-year-old Polish star delivered a masterclass, defeating American Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes—a rare double bagel, the first in a Wimbledon women’s final since 1911 and only the second in a Grand Slam final since Steffi Graf’s 1988 French Open victory. This triumph marked Swiatek’s first Wimbledon title and her sixth Grand Slam, cementing her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Amid the celebration, Coco Gauff, the 2025 French Open champion, emerged with a heartfelt message that highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect that define the women’s game, even in the face of fierce competition.
Swiatek’s journey to the Venus Rosewater Dish was nothing short of remarkable. Known for her dominance on clay, with four French Open titles, and her 2022 US Open victory on hard courts, Swiatek had long struggled on Wimbledon’s grass. Her best prior result at SW19 was a quarterfinal appearance in 2023, and earlier in 2025, she endured a challenging year, including a doping controversy and a title drought that saw her exit the French Open in the semifinals. Yet, after intensive grass-court preparation in Mallorca and Germany, Swiatek arrived at Wimbledon transformed. She dropped just one set en route to the final, overpowering opponents like Veronika Kudermetova, Caty McNally, Danielle Collins, Clara Tauson, Liudmila Samsonova, and Belinda Bencic with clinical precision. In the final, she was untouchable, limiting unforced errors and keeping Anisimova off balance from the first point. “I’d never won this title, I was anxious about that [in previous years], but this year I really enjoyed it and felt so comfortable,” Swiatek said, her joy evident as she lifted the trophy.
For Anisimova, the final was a heart-wrenching moment. The 23-year-old American had stunned the tennis world by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 semifinal to reach her first Grand Slam final. But against Swiatek, she couldn’t find her rhythm, managing only a handful of points in a match that left her in tears. Despite the loss, Anisimova showed grace, saying, “Iga, you’re an unbelievable athlete, you’ve had an incredible two weeks here.” The Centre Court crowd, known for its empathy, offered warm support, moved by Anisimova’s emotional journey and her breakthrough run.
Coco Gauff, who had been a pre-tournament favorite after her French Open triumph but suffered a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon, was quick to acknowledge both players. Taking to X, Gauff posted, “Congratulations @iga_swiatek on an incredible run!” Her message was short but sincere, reflecting the deep respect between the two young stars who have shared the court in memorable battles, including the 2022 French Open final. Gauff also extended support to her compatriot Anisimova, writing, “So much to be proud of Amanda ❤️❤️❤️ keep your head up 👑.” Her words underscored the tight-knit nature of the women’s tour, where rivalries give way to camaraderie once the final ball is struck.
Swiatek’s victory sparked widespread praise. Tennis legend Billie Jean King joined the chorus, posting on X, “Congratulations to @iga_swiatek, the 2025 #Wimbledon women’s singles champion!” Even celebrity fans like Courteney Cox, who embraced Swiatek after the match, added a Hollywood flair to the celebrations. However, not all reactions were celebratory. Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, stirred controversy by noting on X that Swiatek hadn’t faced a top-10 player en route to the title, prompting backlash from fans and Swiatek’s team. One fan retorted, “Is Iga Swiatek to be blamed that other players lost early? F**king stupid,” while Swiatek’s physiotherapist called the comment “ugly.” The debate highlighted the intense scrutiny that follows such dominant performances.
Swiatek’s triumph also sparked discussions about the women’s tennis schedule, particularly the grueling 23-day turnaround between the French Open and Wimbledon, which may have contributed to early exits by top players like Gauff and Sabalenka. Andy Roddick, on his “Served” podcast, drew parallels between Swiatek’s mental reset and Gauff’s own journey, noting how both players overcame pressure to redefine their careers. Swiatek, now the youngest woman since Serena Williams to win Grand Slams on all three surfaces, has solidified her legacy. Nick Kyrgios went further, ranking her above Gauff and Sabalenka among the generation’s greats.
As Swiatek basks in her victory, the tennis world looks ahead to the next chapter. For Gauff, her gracious message to Swiatek and Anisimova reflects a maturity beyond her 21 years, signaling her readiness to reclaim her place at the top. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Swiatek, whose Wimbledon triumph has rewritten the record books and inspired a new wave of admiration.
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