Amanda Anisimova broke down in tears during her Wimbledon press conference on Saturday after losing in the third round to fellow American Madison Keys. The 24-year-old, who was a finalist at the All England Club last year, saw her hopes of going one step further dashed on Independence Day.
Anisimova Struggles to Find Silver Lining
When asked how she planned to bounce back from the defeat, in which she won the first set before losing the next three, Anisimova admitted she was unsure. "I don't know," she said. "Normally, I'd be motivated and would just look at it as another opportunity going forward. But after the last few months, it's really hard to see a silver lining, because it's been really, really tough."
She added, "I feel like I'm doing everything I can and working really hard. So for my game to still be at this point, it's really hard to digest and take. It's almost like I'm playing at a 125,000 level, not Wimbledon. That's what I was saying to my coaches earlier. I don't know."
"I Need to Go Home"
The American stated she plans to fly home and take a break from tennis before preparations for the US Open ramp up. "For me, it wasn't enjoyable to play out there today with my tennis being like that," she said. "It was really, really tough. And when I'm happy and I'm enjoying it, it's when I'm able to play my tennis. But when I'm not able to make one forehand in the court, it's really, really hard. So, I don't know. I need to go home and take some time and figure out how I can fix this."
Emotional Moment
Anisimova, who said she was not struggling physically, then began to tear up. "Sorry," she said. "I was excited to go back out on Centre Court, especially playing on Court 2 the last two days. So I was really eager to play. Obviously nervous, because I know my level hasn't been great lately. I was very aware of that. I did everything I could to prepare yesterday and today and do all the right things. But it wasn't enough. Hopefully everything will click for me soon, but right now, it's hard to see that coming."
