It will take a lot more before the memory of last year’s Wimbledon final will be entirely out of Amanda Anisimova’s system but the American began the job in convincing fashion on Tuesday, beating Lina Gjorcheska of North Macedonia 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round.
Twelve months ago, Anisimova beat Aryna Sabalenka to reach her first grand slam final only to crumble, her 6-0, 6-0 humbling by Iga Swiatek one of those horrible sporting moments where it almost feels bad to be watching. At the time it seemed like it was a loss that would linger for months but, remarkably, she bounced back immediately, beating Swiatek on her way to the US Open final, where Sabalenka beat her in a tight two-setter.
