Last year, Amanda Anisimova couldn’t even make it through the qualifiers at Wimbledon. This year, she is just one win away from lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish. “To be honest, if you told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon I would not believe you. Especially not this soon,” the 23-year-old American said. “It’s been a year’s turnaround. To be in the final is just indescribable, honestly.” It’s historic, too, considering she is only the second woman after Bianca Andreescu to reach a Grand Slam final within a year of crashing out in qualifiers. Andreescu went on to win the US Open in 2019. As for Anisimova, she will have to go through a much more seasoned Grand Slam customer than herself in Iga Swiatek.

But then again, Anisimova reached the final after beating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday. Yes, she lost some momentum in the second set, but the youngster snatched the win with a score line of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Meanwhile, Swiatek simply thrashed her Swiss opponent, Bencic, in a one-sided encounter. With a dominating score line of 6-2, 6-0, in just 71 minutes, making it to her first Wimbledon final ever.

During the post-match press conference, Anisimova was asked about her thoughts on the upcoming battle against the former World No.1. So what did she say? Well, she just admired Swiatek while citing her as a role model.“Iga’s such an unbelievable player, and she’s also been an inspiration to me. Her work ethic and all of her achievements have been really inspiring. So I am sure it will be an amazing match.” Speaking on the match itself, the American made it clear that her focus will be to deliver her best amidst high expectations.

However, Anisimova is not really thinking too much about the trophy itself. “Yeah, getting to compete against an unbelievable player again, it’s gonna be super special. Hopefully I can bring some high-quality tennis and make it about a battle out there, just going out and enjoy every moment and try to not think about what’s on the line there.” That might just be the right approach against Swiatek, who seems to have put the heartbreak of a disappointing clay court season, to reach two consecutive finals on grass (the first being the Bad Homburg Open).

Interestingly, both women are on the verge of creating history for their respective countries, should they lift the coveted trophy. While Anisimova will look to replicate American icon Serena, Iga Swiatek will try to end a decade-long wait.

Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek within touching distance of individual milestones at Wimbledon

For the uninitiated, 23-time slam queen Serena Williams was the last American woman to clinch the Wimbledon title. Back in 2016, she defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber with a score line of 7-5, 6-3 in the summit clash. Williams made it to the final again, in 2019, but couldn’t win.

Amanda Anisimova can make it happen again for America when she steps on the grass against Swiatek. Plus, she can also drastically improve her rankings going into the next week. After breaking into the top 10 for the first time in her career, she has the chance to enter the top 5 as well. In case she wins, she will join compatriots Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, ranked No.2 and No.3, respectively.

On the other hand, Swiatek will look to finally end Poland’s wait to see a Wimbledon champion. Back in 2012, compatriot and ex-pro Agnieszka Radwańska was the last Polish woman to reach the summit clash at the grass major. But she couldn’t win the trophy after losing to Serena Williams. Now, after 13 years, the Pole can make it happen should she emerge victorious against Anisimova.

Both players are set to meet for the first time in a professional WTA encounter. So it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top. What’s your prediction for this cracker of a Wimbledon final on Centre Court on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow the Championships in real-time with EssentiallySports’ Live Blog updates.