Amanda Anisimova cruises past Gjorcheska to open Wimbledon campaign

**Amanda Anisimova** began her Wimbledon 2026 run with a decisive 6‑3, 6‑2 victory over Lina Gjorcheska on 30 June, confirming the sixth seed’s intent to contend for the title.

Anisimova served with purpose from the first game, stringing together an early break that set the tone. Gjorcheska managed a few rallies, but the American’s forehand cracked open the baseline, earning her a comfortable lead by the end of the first set. In the second, Anisimova kept the pressure high, converting two break points to seal the set and the match without needing a tiebreak.

The win marks Anisimova’s first Grand Slam match since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, and she entered the tournament as the sixth seed. A straight‑sets victory against a qualifier demonstrates she’s back in form and ready to challenge the top seeds. It also adds valuable ranking points that could solidify her position inside the top‑10.

Lina Gjorcheska, a 26‑year‑old from North Macedonia, earned her spot in the main draw through the qualifying rounds. While she showed flashes of resilience, especially on serve in the second set, she struggled to counter Anisimova’s aggressive baseline play. Gjorcheska’s performance, however, earned her experience against a top‑seeded American on Centre Court.

Anisimova’s next opponent will be determined after the completion of the day’s other matches, but she will likely face a higher‑ranked player in the second round. The win gives her momentum, but the grass courts at Wimbledon demand quick adjustments; she’ll need to maintain her serve accuracy and stay sharp on return games.

Day 2 also featured a major upset as No. 4 seed Ben Shelton fell to qualifier Otto Virtanen in a five‑set tiebreaker. In the women’s draw, eighth‑seed Elina Svitolina was the first top‑10 casualty, losing to Daria Snigur after squandering a 4‑0 lead. Meanwhile, Serena Williams returned to singles play after a four‑year hiatus, facing Maya Joint.

The tournament’s early rounds are already delivering drama, and Anisimova’s smooth win adds a bright spot for American fans. Her performance will be watched closely as the competition intensifies and the quest for the Wimbledon crown continues.