Anisimova makes winning Wimbledon return a year after final nightmare

[ASFN Admin]

Amanda Anisimova’s bid to banish memories of the worst Wimbledon final defeat in more than a century began with a comfortable straight-sets victory.

The American’s maiden grand slam final quickly turned from a dream into a nightmare last year when she was thrashed 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek inside an hour.

Having become only the third woman ever to lose a major final without winning a game, and the first at Wimbledon since 1911, her return to SW19 started with a 6-3, 6-2 success over North Macedonian qualifier Lina Gjorcheska.

The sixth seed, 24, will face compatriot Sofia Kenin in the second round after she defeated Croatian Petra Marcinko 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

Clara Tauson’s quest to emulate last year’s career-best run was ended by a 6-3, 6-3 loss to two-time grand slam semi-finalist Maria Sakkari.

The 23-year-old Dane – seeded 24th – defeated 2022 champion Elena Rybakina to reach round four 12 months ago.

Former Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova overcame fellow Czech player Tereza Valentova 6-3, 6-4. She could face reigning champion Swiatek next.

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