Anisimova Channels Serena Williams with 20 Aces to Reach Third Round
American Amanda Anisimova, renowned for her exceptional backhand, demonstrated an impressive serving performance reminiscent of Serena Williams by delivering 20 aces to overcome Sofia Kenin and secure a spot in the third round of Wimbledon.
Despite trailing 3-1 in the third set against the former Australian Open champion, Anisimova's serve proved decisive, with nine aces in the final set helping her recover and ultimately win in three sets. This victory marks a step forward in moving past the memory of her 2025 Wimbledon final loss.
“I’m just happy to be through to the next round,” she said. “I never thought I’d say this but thank you to my serve. I’m not a good server at all but after today, I can say that I am. I was down and told myself to keep fighting. I really tried to bring myself back to the present moment. I try to remind myself – have fun, you’re playing at . These are the matches I train for, the tough ones, the fun ones.”
Anisimova will face Madison Keys next, another powerful American player and former Australian Open champion, having claimed her first Grand Slam title in Melbourne last year.
Ukrainian Daria Snigur Competes Amid Conflict at Home
Daria Snigur, also from Ukraine, continued her strong performance by defeating France’s Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 6-3, following her earlier upset of fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina. Snigur’s resilience is particularly notable given the ongoing conflict in her home city of Kyiv, where she awoke to news of recent bombings.
She reflected on the emotional challenge of competing under such circumstances.
“It was tough to play,” she said. “This victory, I think, is special for me and for my country. Russia destroyed a lot of houses, people, deaths. It was tough, but I tried to find something inside of me. I should play because I should help my country, my home town. I’m happy to win today.”
Snigur further expressed her motivation despite the difficulties.
“It’s tough to speak about but … I want to give positive emotions for my family. I tried to find something inside of me to practise, to play. I tried to find more motivation [from it] because we had a difficult night. I want to win more, of course.”
Other Notable Matches and Performances
Maya Joint, who had previously defeated Serena Williams, was unable to maintain her momentum and lost 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 to Alexandra Eala, the 29th seed. The demands of media attention in Australia and at Wimbledon may have contributed to her decline in the third set.
Eala, who has garnered significant support from Filipino fans, will face Iga Swiatek in the third round. Eala acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“I think it’s going to be tough for me [but] I’m going to try to make it tough for her, as well,” she said. “She’s won a slam on grass. She’s won a slam on clay. She’s won a slam on hard, so I’m expecting a great challenge. I think I’m ready for it. I’m ready to face it head on.”
Another Ukrainian player, Marta Kostyuk, advanced by defeating Anna Blinkova 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3. However, the 15th seed Diana Shnaider was upset by Liudmila Samsonova in a three-set match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
