
When analyzing grass-court performance, raw service efficiency often dictates the baseline of success. In the second round at SW19, Amanda Anisimova put on a serving masterclass to dispatch fellow American Sofia Kenin. By registering 20 aces over the course of the match, Anisimova showcased a massive tactical evolution in her baseline-centric game, proving that her flat, low-trajectory groundstrokes are now backed by a legitimate, point-ending weapon from the line.
Listen to the Second Serve Podcast
Get our daily AI-synthesized audio briefings and match reviews on the go.
The victory marks a significant step forward for Anisimova, who finished as the 2025 Wimbledon runner-up after a tough 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Iga Swiatek in the final. This performance demonstrates she has put that difficult afternoon behind her, using her physical advantages to dominate the quick-striking turf courts of the Wimbledon championships.
The 20-Ace Serving Blueprint in the Final Set
Anisimova's service metrics throughout the match highlight a highly deliberate tactical shift. Rather than relying solely on raw pace, she utilized precise slice wide on the deuce court and flat T-serves on the ad court to keep Kenin off balance. This strategic placement yielded nine of her 20 aces in the high-pressure final set alone, neutralizing Kenin's aggressive return positioning and limiting break-point opportunities.
By keeping her first-serve percentage high when the match hung in the balance, Anisimova starved Kenin of second-serve looks. This serving consistency allowed her to command the center of the court and dictate play with her heavy topspin drives, ultimately breaking Kenin's resolve in the crucial moments of the deciding set.
WTA Wimbledon Second Round Key Match Statistics
| Player | Total Aces | Final Set Aces | Wimbledon Result / Next Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda Anisimova | 20 | 9 | Defeated Kenin (Advances to R3) |
| Elena Rybakina | N/A | N/A | Defeated C. McNally 6-1, 6-2 |
| Daria Snigur | N/A | N/A | Defeated L. Jeanjean 6-4, 6-3 |
| Alexandra Eala | N/A | N/A | Defeated M. Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 (Faces I. Swiatek) |
Snigur and Rybakina Maintain Momentum in the Draw
While Anisimova's serving display stole the headlines, other key contenders secured their spots in the third round with highly efficient performances. Ukrainian Daria Snigur continued her emotional run, defeating Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 6-3. This victory successfully backed up her previous upset over fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, which we covered in our previous tactical breakdown of the early rounds.
Meanwhile, former champion and second seed Elena Rybakina wasted no time on court, dismantling Caty McNally 6-1, 6-2. Rybakina's flat groundstrokes and elite court coverage look as formidable as ever, cementing her status as a primary title contender according to the latest WTA rankings. Additionally, 29th seed Alexandra Eala recovered from a set down to defeat Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, setting up a highly anticipated third-round encounter against top seed Iga Swiatek.
Analyze Amanda Anisimova vs. Sofia Kenin
Predict tactical adjustments, momentum swings, and serve strategy options for this match-up using our AI simulator.
The Aces Tactical Panel
This report was curated and edited by Bhaskar Goel. Tactical analysis and technical insights were provided by our specialized panel of expert correspondents.
Julian Price
Senior Tactical Correspondent
Stuffy, pedantic British academic and historian specializing in match momentum and historical context.
Elena Cruz
Director of Analytical Research
Data scientist specializing in court surface physics and movement patterns.
Bhaskar
The Editor & Fan
Passionate tennis player and site editor bringing everyday amateur insights and relatable fan commentary.
Arthur Vance
Senior Existential Analyst
Deep, eccentric, and DFW-inspired. Models court metaphysics, kinetic beauty, and player psychology.
Leo Sterling
High-Performance Consultant
Hard-nosed ex-trainer from Melbourne with a no-nonsense view on tour fitness.
Quick Answers
How many aces did Amanda Anisimova hit against Sofia Kenin?+
Amanda Anisimova hit 20 aces in total, including nine in the final set, to defeat Sofia Kenin.
Who will Alexandra Eala play in the third round of Wimbledon?+
Alexandra Eala will face top seed Iga Swiatek in the third round after defeating Maya Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.
What was the score in Elena Rybakina's second-round match?+
Second seed Elena Rybakina defeated Caty McNally with a convincing score of 6-1, 6-2.


