Amanda Anisimova delivered a stunning serving performance, firing 20 aces to defeat fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and advance to the third round of Wimbledon. The 2025 runner-up, who lost last year's final to Iga Swiatek 6-0, 6-0, relied on her serve when it mattered most, hitting nine aces in the deciding set to overcome a 3-1 deficit.
Serve saves the day
Anisimova, widely regarded for her backhand but not her serve, credited her delivery for the victory. 'I never thought I’d say this but thank you to my serve,' she said. '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.' She will next face Madison Keys, another hard-hitting American and former Australian Open champion.
Snigur plays through adversity
Ukraine’s Daria Snigur backed up her first-round win over Elina Svitolina by defeating France’s Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 6-3, despite waking up to news of Russian bombing in her home city of Kyiv. '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.'
Joint fades after Serena win
Maya Joint, who upset Serena Williams in the first round, could not replicate that form, losing 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 to No. 29 seed Alexandra Eala. Joint was inundated with interview requests and perhaps the extra demands took a toll as she faded in the third set. Eala, carrying a large contingent of Filipino fans, will face Swiatek in the third round. 'I think it’s going to be tough for me [but] I’m going to try to make it tough for her, as well,' Eala said. 'She’s won a slam on grass, clay, and hard, so I’m expecting a great challenge.'
Other results
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk battled past Anna Blinkova 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, while 15th seed Diana Shnaider was upset 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 by Liudmila Samsonova.
