Dan Evans has provided his instant, heartfelt reaction to Amanda Anisimova’s heavy defeat in the Wimbledon final.
The 35-year-old, who was knocked out of this event in the second round by Novak Djokovic, was a part of TNT Sport’s unique, alternative coverage for today’s final, sitting beside Nick Kyrgios and CoCo Vandeweghe among others.
And whilst everyone was obviously sympathetic to Anisimova’s plight, Evans took particular time to deliver a message to the emotional American, unsurprisingly gutted after simply failing to show up for the biggest match of her life thus far.
Hopefully, this will not be the latest time we see her on such a stage.
Evans certainly doesn’t think that will be the case.
Dan Evans delivers instant reaction to Amanda Anisimova losing Wimbledon final
Speaking on TNT Sport’s alternative coverage, Evans was trying his best to be positive when sending a message to Anisimova after such a crushing defeat.
After all, she was not just defeated. She was destroyed by a ruthless Iga Swiatek, 6-0, 6-0.
The former British number one, though, was kind in his assessment, and noticed a key conversation between the American and the umpire: “The referee was just talking to her then, she would have been giving her some nice words.
“It’s easy for me to sit here and say she’s got nothing to be down about. But what an achievement. She lost in qualifying last year; this year she’s in the final.
“Finals in Queen’s as well, she’s had a great grass-court season. She’s got nothing to be sad about, everything to be proud of.”
Lindsay Davenport had a crucial doubt about Anisimova ahead of the final, and although she thought it had been rectified against Aryna Sabalenka, that sadly was not the case today.
Amanda Anisimova’s nerves got the better of her vs Iga Swiatek
It was obvious from arguably before the match even started that Swiatek was ready for business, whilst Anisimova was not.
The latter looked sheepish and uncomfortable, whether it be walking through the halls of the All-England Club or even when doing the coin toss.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
That naturally translated into her play, which looked awkward, nervous and ultimately not good enough on such a huge stage.
As a first-time finalist at a major, the experience that Swiatek boasted over her was also evident. In winning this year’s Wimbledon, she now boasts six major titles, having won every final she has been a part of on this conquest.
Experience is crucial on the biggest stages, and Anisimova sadly did not have it. Hopefully she makes it to this stage again and can use this crushing defeat to her advantage.