Amanda Anisimova has proven Lindsay Davenport completely wrong by reaching the Wimbledon final, with the pundit not afraid to admit that.
After all, she and the rest of the Tennis Channel panel were delighted to see yet another American make it to a Grand Slam final, joining Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, who won the first two majors of the year respectively.
It will take yet another monumental task for Anisimova to snatch the Wimbledon crown from Iga Swiatek in the final, but after beating a player like Aryna Sabalenka, truly anything is possible.
After all, she’s made it a habit of doing the unexpected this tournament.
Amanda Anisimova continues to prove everyone wrong
Speaking on Tennis Channel just last night, as they reviewed a thrilling day of women’s tennis, Davenport was keen to admit how Anisimova had proved her wrong.
Her fellow American was in her first-ever Grand Slam final at the expense of the world number one.
Praising the 23-year-old whilst also heralding her growth, from a young talent to a fully-fledged superstar, she began by claiming: “We saw a more mature version of Anisimova.
“It’s not easy when you break out on the pro tour at 15 years old. Of course, everyone talks about your age. The other players don’t care about your age, but you’re just sometimes not ready emotionally to take the step, even if your tennis is ready.
“Every player has their own path. It’s taken Amanda maybe a few more years than a lot of people thought it would to reach this point. We’ve never denied her tennis.
“We’ve always wondered about Amanda between the ears, and a different Amanda shows up this year at Wimbledon, more mature, someone who you can tell has worked on themselves and the process as well, to be able to handle moments and occasions like she was able to handle today.
“You’ve got to just say that is way too good, a lot of work was done for her to be able to play for a trophy on Saturday.”
Sabalenka’s team made a bold admission after the Anisimova match, giving their thoughts on the result.
Amanda Anisimova’s reaction to facing Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final
In her press conference after her impressive win over Sabalenka, attention then turned to who her potential opponent might be in the final.
And, whilst nobody knew that it would be Iga Swiatek at the time, with her match against Belinda Bencic still to play, by the time Anisimova entered the media room, it had been decided.
Asked about the former world number one, naturally, she was glowing in her praise, admitting: “Iga is such an unbelievable player.
“She’s also been an inspiration to me. Her work ethic and all of her achievements have been really inspiring.
“I’m sure it’ll be an amazing match again. Getting to compete against an unbelievable player again is going to be super special.
“Hopefully, I can bring some high-quality tennis and make it a battle. Just going to go out and enjoy every moment and try to not think about what’s on the line.”
It promises to be an enthralling encounter between two young superstars of our sport.
