Amanda Anisimova explains what the Princess of Wales said after Wimbledon final defeat

The American was unable to find her form on Centre Court, with Iga Swiatek running away with victory in less than one hour for her first title at SW19

Amanda Anisimova thanked the Princess of Wales for consoling her after her humiliating 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final.

Anisimova was the first women’s singles finalist not to win a game for more than a century, going back to 1911.

The American 23-year-old was blown away by Swiatek, who secured her sixth grand-slam title and first at Wimbledon, and seemed gripped by nerves as she failed to recreate the performance which knocked out world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.

A brave Anisimova delivered a speech in front of the Centre Court crowd, paying tribute to her family for their help in her journey, before collecting the runners-up plate from the princess.

Catherine, Princess of Wales consoles Amanda Anisimova after the final (AFP via Getty Images)

“It was such an honour to meet her,” Anisimova said. “I wasn’t sure if she was going to come out today, if she was going be there, so it was just really nice to see her. She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again! But she was really kind, and she told me to keep my head high.

“I don’t really want to reveal everything she said to me, but I also spoke to her again after the match, because I passed by her, and she had all the best to say to me. So I guess it was a positive of today, and I can try and focus on that and not the match.”

Runner up Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. gives a speech after losing the women's singles final (Reuters)

Amanda Anisimova following her defeat to Iga Swiatek (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Kate is the patron of the All England Club and has regularly attended the men’s and women’s finals. However, she did not attend last year’s women's final while she was recovering from cancer.

On Saturday, she was greeted by a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd as she entered the Royal Box just before the final between the eighth-seeded Swiatek and No 13 Anisimova started.

After the match, she took part in the trophy presentation on court, first handing the runner-up trophy to Anisimova and then the Venus Rosewater Dish to new champion Swiatek.

Earlier an emotional Anisimova had said on court: “Thank you to everyone who supported me in this first round match, you have carried me through this entire championship, it’s been an incredible fortnight for me. Even though I ran out of gas a bit today, I wish I could’ve put on a better performance for you. You guys have been there for me and lifted me up, so thank you very much.

“Thank you to everyone who put on this incredible tournament, it’s been such a privilege, to make it to the championship match, it’s been so, so special. I’ll never forget this experience, so thank you everyone who has been a part of this.

“To my pretty small box, I don’t think there’s one seat left, you’ve been there for me, some of my family flying in, it was so unbelievable to experience it with you all. You were that extra motivation that I needed.

Iga Swiatek of Poland lifts the trophy (Getty Images)

Britain's Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge presents a trophy to runner up Amanda Anisimova (REUTERS)

“You’ve always believed in me, my Mum, who flew in this morning, I definitely wouldn’t be standing here... My Mum has put in more work than I have, honestly. I’m just so sorry, my Mum is just the most selfless person ever and has done everything to get me here. So thank you for being here, and breaking the superstition, it’s definitely not why I lost today. I know you don’t get to see me watch live much anymore. I love you so much and to the rest of my team, thank you so much, for the whole journey, you’ve made it so enjoyable.”