IGA SWIATEK banked a record £3million in Wimbledon prize money after humiliating Amanda Anisimova in the biggest demolition job for 114 YEARS.
Poland’s former world No1 lifted a sixth major title – and first on grass – with a brutal one-sided performance that will go down in the record books.
The Venus Rosewater Dish was in her possession for the first time after just 57 minutes of action – earning Swiatek a cool £52,500 PER MINUTE she was on court.
Incredibly, it was the first 6-0 6-0 scoreline in a women’s final since 1911.
And Anisimova was left in tears after what was the most embarrassing performance in the Open Era in this famous old arena.
And the first double-bagel result at the four majors since Steffi Graf defeated Natasha Zvereva at the 1988 French Open.
Tickets to sit in rows A-T cost about £315 and this was NOT value for money given how dominant Swiatek was and how dreadful Anisimova was.
Swiatek, an emotionless character at the best of times, won’t care and she celebrated her first Slam success since serving a one-month drugs ban last year – she failed a test involving medication for jet lag.
By the time the action commenced at 4pm – the contest had been moved back by two hours for the first time by Wimbledon bosses – an awkward wind swirled around Centre Court.
Given that there was an American involved, the later start time would have encouraged more viewers Stateside to switch on their TVs, particularly along the East Coast.
Yet US punters, who love nothing more than to back a winner, would have been watching from behind the sofa given Anisimova’s nightmare appearance.
The Florida ace looked nervous, understandably so given that this is her first major singles final, but even she could not have imagined it would be THIS bad.
In the first game, she was broken and inside 20 minutes, she was 4-0 down, having surrendered a lengthy game three with a double fault.
Swiatek, a strong front-runner, is known for demolishing opponents without dropping a game in sets – known in the sport as a ‘bagel’ set.
Wags often joke that she should open up a bakery when she retires given how many times she racks up the bagels.
The last time in this showpiece occasion that a woman had lost six games in a row in the same set was veteran Venus Williams in 2017 when she was destroyed 7-5 6-0 by Spaniard Garbine Muguruza.
When Anisimova’s forehand sailed wide, her 14th unforced error of a shocking display, there were only 25 MINUTES on the clock.
Historians were now thumbing through the record books to work out the quickest finals at Wimbledon.
The last time there was DOUBLE bagel was 1911 and while it was a hot afternoon, and most would have appreciated retreating to an air-conned room, it is fair to assume the neutrals were hoping that would not be repeated.
It was horrible to watch a professional sports athlete go through such turmoil on the biggest stage of them all.
Chris Evert, winner of 18 majors, was among the concerned viewers who feared for Anisimova’s mental state as the torture went on.
As she was broken at the start of set two, she let out two loud shouts in frustration that echoed around the stadium.
Fans shouted out “come on, Amanda” but it was all in vain – Swiatek, with all the benefit of having won five Grand Slams titles before this fortnight, was too composed to lower her level.
Anisimova, who lost in the final round qualifying last year, was wracking up the unforced errors and could barely keep the ball in the court.
Unstoppable Swiatek said: “It seems super surreal.
“I want to congratulate Amanda for an amazing two weeks. No matter what happened, you should be proud of the work you are doing.
“I hope we are going to play many more finals and in other tournaments. You have the game for that.
“For me, this was way too far to dream about. I feel like I’m already an experienced player after winning the Slams before. But I never expected this one. My team believed in me more than I did.
“I want to thank my coach who joined this year. We have had ups and downs but we showed everybody that it is working.
“This tournament is unique. And I was anxious of that.
“Walking around here, being on Centre Court felt like a huge pressure. This year I really enjoyed it and improved my game.
“I will always remember the opening of champagne bottles in-between serves – a sound that will keep me up at night. I will enjoy these moments.”
Anisimova – who was allowed to go backstage momentarily for a quick cry – sobbed before she started speaking to Annabel Croft in the trophy presentations and then ended it in tears when she talked about her mum.
She said: “Thank you Iga, you’re such an incredible player. It obviously showed today.
“You have been such an inspiration to me, an unbelievable athlete. You have had such an incredible two weeks here.
“Getting to the final of your first Wimbledon and then winning it. It’s so special.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me since my first-round match.
“You guys have carried me through this entire championship. An incredible fortnight.
“Even though I ran out of gas and I wish that I could put on a better performance for all of you, you guys were still there for me and lifted me up.
“It has been such a privilege playing here, making it to the Championship match. To compete in front of all of you has been so, so special. I’ll never forget this experience and all these memories.
“My mum flew in this morning. 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.”
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