The Science of Failure: Anisimova’s Masterclass in Failing Forward

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The Science of Failure: Anisimova’s Masterclass in Failing Forward

At Wimbledon, Amanda Anisimova endured one of the harshest defeats in Grand Slam history — a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Świątek in the final. Just 57 minutes on court, and a lifetime of work seemed to collapse in front of the world.

But 53 days later, at the U.S. Open, Anisimova defeated Świątek to reach the quarterfinals. In doing so, she demonstrated the full arc: how to fail forward, how to turn devastation into momentum, and how growth looks when it is lived out in real time.

That’s not just sport. That’s life.

From Tears to Triumph

In her post-match Wimbledon interview, Anisimova displayed honesty and composure. She praised her opponent, thanked the fans, and acknowledged her own struggles with fatigue and nerves. Most importantly, she reframed the experience:

“I know I didn’t have enough today, but I’m going to keep putting in the work. I always believe in myself so I hope to be back here again one day.”

Less than two months later, she made good on that commitment. By reversing the result against Świątek in New York, Anisimova showed how failure, when processed constructively, can be a foundation for resilience.

Intelligent Failure and Growth

Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, in Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, distinguishes between basic, complex, and intelligent failures. Intelligent failures occur when individuals take on new challenges, pursue meaningful goals, and learn from the outcome — even if they fall short.

Anisimova’s loss at Wimbledon fit this category. It was not the product of negligence but of competing under extreme pressure at the highest level. By naming the factors that held her back and maintaining belief in her work, she converted the experience into progress.

What Athletes Understand About Failure

Elite athletes often point to defeats as critical inflection points. Pete Sampras described his 1992 U.S. Open semifinal loss to Stefan Edberg this way:

“When I lost to Edberg, it didn’t hurt at the time. But later it hit me — I didn’t fight hard enough. I promised myself I would never let that happen again. That match changed me.”

That realization fueled a career that produced 13 more major titles. Anisimova’s journey follows a similar pattern: Wimbledon was the pain, the U.S. Open the pivot.

As a coach, I remind my students that growth rarely comes from easy wins. When they tell me they are “just having fun,” I caution them: if it doesn’t hurt to lose, you won’t feel the urgency to change.

The Broader Lesson

For those outside elite sport, the same dynamics apply. Failure is not a final judgment but part of the learning process. The path forward is practical and measured:

  • Name the truth. Be clear about what went wrong, without excuses.

  • Reframe the experience. As Marianne Williamson notes, pain can either diminish you or help refine you.

  • Build systems. As James Clear explains in Atomic Habits, sustained success comes from consistent routines and habits rather than single goals.

  • Think long term. Growth is rarely immediate; the value of intelligent failure comes from what it makes possible over time.

Cultural attitudes toward failure also influence how we approach this process.

In the United States, failure is often framed as part of the entrepreneurial and athletic journey — a necessary step toward eventual success. The language of “failing forward” is widely accepted, and resilience is celebrated when setbacks fuel growth.

In Australia, by contrast, there is often a more reserved approach. The cultural emphasis on modesty and the “tall poppy syndrome” can make open discussions of failure less comfortable, with mistakes sometimes treated as reputational risks rather than opportunities to learn.

Bridging these perspectives means fostering an environment where failure is seen less as a verdict and more as a process — aligning with the principle that growth requires the courage to risk, to stumble, and to continue.

Whisperer Wrap

Amanda Anisimova’s path from a painful loss at Wimbledon to a meaningful victory at the U.S. Open illustrates how setbacks can become turning points. Her willingness to acknowledge the disappointment, reflect on its causes, and continue her work transformed the experience from defeat into growth.

This lesson extends beyond sport. Different cultures frame failure in different ways — in the U.S., it is often viewed as part of the journey, while in Australia it can carry heavier social weight. Anisimova’s example suggests a universal truth: failure should not be treated as a verdict, but as a process that creates the conditions for improvement.

As the line from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel reminds us:

“Everything will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.”

Progress, in sport or in life, comes not from avoiding failure, but from using it well — whether in New York, Sydney, or anywhere else.