From the moment Amanda Anisimova stepped out on to Centre Court, you could see the tension etched across her face.
The 23-year-old American had never played in a Grand Slam final before and, as the 6-0 6-0 defeat by Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final showed, the occasion overwhelmed her.
From the start of a match which lasted 57 minutes, Anisimova looked tight and made a stream of unforced errors.
“From my side, I think I was a bit frozen there with my nerves,” said Anisimova, who will rise to a career high of seventh in the world rankings after a run here that included beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement. If anything, I think it’s more experience for me on how to handle nerves.
“It’s my first Slam final, so at least I have that experience now.”
Anisimova left the court briefly at the end of the match before returning for the prize-giving ceremony on Centre Court, where she was consoled by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Anisimova did not want to disclose the full nature of their conversation, but said the “kind words” offered by the royal helped pick her up.
“It was such an honour to meet her,” Anisimova added.
“She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again. She told me to keep my head high.
“She had all the best to say to me. I guess it was a positive of today and I can try and focus on that and not the match.”
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