AMANDA ANISIMOVA choked back tears during her Wimbledon final horror show.
The American was totally dismantled 6-0 6-0 by Iga Swiatek in less than an hour on Centre Court.
Devastated Anisimova was seen crying in her chair at the final change of ends.
After the merciless rout was completed, she was allowed to go off-court, away from the cameras, to collect herself.
But, as she returned to the court to be presented with the runner-up trophy, the 23-year-old was overcome with emotion once again.
She was seen wiping away tears as she was consoled by Princess Kate Middleton.
Anisimova collected her trophy and then welled up again as she spoke to the crowd and media after the match.
The stunned world no 12 managed to pay a heartfelt tribute to her team and mum as she struggled to keep her composure.
Anisimova said: “You guys have been there for me and some of my family flying in, it was so unbelievable to experience this with you all and I wouldn’t be standing here if you guys didn’t support me throughout the rest of the tournament.
“That was the extra motivation that I needed pushing me forward and you guys have always believed in me and my mum who flew in this morning, I definitely would not be standing here without her.”
The tennis star once again broke down in tears and had to wipe them away before carrying on her speech, as the crowd gave her a round of applause for the emotional moment.
She issued a tearful apology as she continued: “She has put in more work than I have honestly. My mum is the most selfless person I know. She has done everything to get me to this point in my life.
“So thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of flying in – it’s definitely not why I lost today.
“I’m so happy that I get to share this moment and for you to be here and witness this in person.
“I know you don’t get to see me live playing that much anymore because you do so much for my sister and I, I love you so much.
“And the rest of my, thank you so much, not just the last two weeks but the whole journey.
“Everything you guys do for me, I just don’t have the words. I honestly love you guys.”
Anisimova also called winner Swiatek “an incredible player” and “an inspiration” in her classy speech.
Her victory banked her a tidy £3million in prize money.
And she has been immortalised in SW19 not just for winning the final, but also for the score, with the last time Wimbledon seeing a whitewash women’s final coming 114 years ago.
It was also the first double-bagel result at the four majors since Steffi Graf defeated Natasha Zvereva at the 1988 French Open.
Her lightning-quick victory at Wimbledon was her sixth major title – and first on grass.
Read the full article here