Wimbledon: Anisimova secures winning return against Gjorcheska
30.06.2026
Amanda Anisimova, last year’s Wimbledon runner-up, has made a successful return to the Grand Slam, defeating qualifier Lina Gjorcheska 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the second round. The match took place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, on Court Two.
Anisimova’s victory marks her first match back at Wimbledon since her 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the title match 12 months prior. Despite a recent wrist injury, the American player showed no lingering effects from that previous defeat as she overcame her North Macedonian opponent.
Anisimova’s Performance and Outlook
Gjorcheska, who is the first player from her nation to compete in a Grand Slam main draw, displayed some resistance towards the end of the contest. However, Anisimova proved too strong, securing the win in 61 minutes.
Anisimova acknowledged the challenge of playing a qualifier, stating, “It’s not easy playing a qualifier who has had a few matches under her belt.” She added that Gjorcheska “played great” and that it was a “tricky first round” given they had not faced each other before.
The American expressed her excitement about being back at Wimbledon. “When I got here I was filled with great memories and I’m trying to carry that vibe… trying to enjoy each day here,” she commented.
Her return to the tournament follows a period where she has been finding renewed enjoyment in tennis. In 2025, Anisimova had a breakout season, reaching consecutive finals at the U.S. Open and Wimbledon, and securing two WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing. She also achieved a career-high ranking of world no. 4.
She began the current season with a career-high ranking of world no. 3 and reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open before being defeated by fellow American Jessica Pegula. However, she faced a wrist injury in April and May, which led to her withdrawal from the Berlin Open, a grass-court warm-up event.
Despite these challenges, Anisimova noted that her wrist felt “not so bad after a few matches.” She looks forward to playing on the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, believing they suit her game well. She also mentioned approaching the tournament without expectations, stating, “I’ll be definitely going into them without any expectations—or [the idea that] I made the final last year, so that means I have to make the final again. It’s not like that at all.”
Anisimova, who turned professional at the age of 16, has emphasized her focus on mental well-being and self-care, having taken a break from the sport in 2023 due to struggles with mental health and burnout. She returned in early 2024 with a renewed perspective.
She highlighted the importance of balancing tournament life with time at home in Miami, where her family resides. “I try to really have a good balance between resetting and recharging my batteries,” she explained. This balance is crucial for her to be physically and mentally prepared for tournaments.
Anisimova will now face either Petra Marcinko or Sofia Kenin in the second round of the tournament.
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Source: thehindu.com
Ishaan Kapoor
Sports correspondent covering cricket, football and international competitions.