The 2025 Wimbledon women’s final delivered a historic spectacle, as Iga Swiatek, the Polish powerhouse, obliterated Amanda Anisimova in a 6-0, 6-0 rout, clinching her first Wimbledon title in just 57 minutes. The double bagel—the first in a Wimbledon final in the Open Era—cemented Swiatek’s dominance and marked her sixth Grand Slam triumph. Yet, former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova stirred controversy with a provocative assertion: had World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka reached the final, she would have defeated Swiatek. Pliskova’s candid take, shared on the Rakety podcast alongside her twin sister Kristyna, has ignited debates among fans and analysts, adding a layer of intrigue to an already unforgettable tournament.
Swiatek’s path to the Venus Rosewater Dish was nothing short of remarkable. Seeded eighth after a challenging clay season and a drop to No. 8 in the rankings, she defied expectations on grass, a surface where she had historically struggled. Her preparation, including a week of grass-court training in Mallorca and a final appearance in Bad Homburg, paid dividends. Swiatek dropped just one set en route to the final, dismantling opponents with her relentless returning and pinpoint accuracy. Against Anisimova, she was untouchable, breaking serve in the first game and never relenting, winning 21 of 29 first-serve points and committing minimal errors. “Honestly, I didn’t even dream because for me it was just way too far,” Swiatek said of her Wimbledon aspirations. “I feel like I’m already an experienced player after winning the slams before, but I never really expected this one.”
Anisimova, the 23-year-old American who stunned Sabalenka in a gripping 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 semifinal, couldn’t replicate that magic in the final. Overwhelmed by nerves, she admitted, “From my side, I think I was a bit frozen there with my nerves.” Her 28 unforced errors and inability to counter Swiatek’s suffocating defense led to a humbling defeat, though her run to the final—her first at a Grand Slam—propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 7. Anisimova’s semifinal victory over Sabalenka, where she showcased her cannon-like backhand and fearless aggression, had been a high point, earning praise from Sabalenka herself: “She was more brave today, she was playing more aggressive.”
Pliskova’s claim that Sabalenka would have beaten Swiatek sparked a firestorm. “I think Sabalenka would have beaten Iga Swiatek in the final,” she stated, drawing on her experience as a two-time Grand Slam finalist and former World No. 1. Pliskova, sidelined by an ankle injury since the 2024 US Open and now ranked No. 321, pointed to Sabalenka’s powerful game and recent form. The Belarusian, who has held the No. 1 ranking for 46 weeks, had reached finals at the Australian Open and French Open in 2025, though she fell short both times. Her Wimbledon semifinal loss to Anisimova was a heartbreaker, with Sabalenka saving 11 of 14 break points in a two-hour, 35-minute battle. Despite the defeat, Sabalenka remained gracious, noting Anisimova’s superior play and reflecting on her own need to stay composed: “We all can lose control over our emotions, it’s absolutely normal.”
The hypothetical Swiatek-Sabalenka final fascinates because of their contrasting styles and competitive history. Swiatek leads their head-to-head 8-5, but Sabalenka’s victory in the 2025 Roland Garros semifinals showcased her ability to unsettle the Pole with her aggressive baseline play. Pliskova’s belief in Sabalenka hinges on her power and confidence on grass, where she reached semifinals in 2021 and 2023. However, Swiatek’s clinical performance against Anisimova, coupled with her 6-0 record in Grand Slam finals, suggests she would have been a formidable opponent. Critics of Pliskova’s take argue it overlooks Swiatek’s adaptability and mental toughness, with some fans calling her comments “ridiculous and disrespectful” given Swiatek’s past dominance over Pliskova, including a 6-0, 6-0 thrashing in the 2021 Italian Open final.
As the tennis world looks ahead to the US Open, Pliskova’s bold prediction adds fuel to the Swiatek-Sabalenka rivalry. While Swiatek basks in her Wimbledon glory, Sabalenka remains determined to claim her first title at SW19. For now, Pliskova’s words linger as a tantalizing “what-if,” sparking discussions about what might have been on Centre Court.
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