While it was a chastening experience for Anisimova in her first major final, it had been an encouraging and inspiring journey to get there.
The big-hitting American has been tipped as a future Grand Slam champion since she was a teenager and reached the 2019 French Open semi-finals as a 17-year-old.
Later that year, the sudden death of her father Konstantin – who was also her coach – contributed to her falling out of love with tennis.
Four years later, Anisimova took a break for her mental health and spent about seven months off the tour.
This time last year she was trying to avoid watching Wimbledon as she had lost in the third round of qualifying while ranked 191st in the world.
But, having climbed back to the verge of the top 10, she has reminded the world of her obvious talent, particularly against world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
Anisimova was far below her best against Swiatek, however. In the warm-up she looked tense and it showed in the opening points of the match.
Rushing into her shots, Anisimova’s groundstrokes were loose and Swiatek continued to take time away from her.
“No matter what happened today you should be proud of the work you’re doing,” Swiatek told her.
Anisimova said she “ran out of gas a bit today”, telling those who have supported her during her run at Wimbledon: “I wish I could have put in a better performance for you, you guys have been there for me and lifted me up so thank you so much.
“It’s been such a privilege to play here and get to this championship match.”
