The recent Wimbledon women’s singles final served up a shocking result that will be remembered for years. Iga Świątek, the dominant Polish star, overwhelmed Amanda Anisimova in a stunning 6-0, 6-0 victory, becoming only the second woman in the Open Era to claim a Grand Slam final without dropping a single game. This kind of emphatic win on such a massive stage underlines not just Świątek’s extraordinary talent, but also how psychological and physical demands can leave even the most promising players struggling to find their footing.

The rarity of a “double bagel” (winning 6-0, 6-0) in a major final can hardly be overstated. Before Świątek’s achievement, the only other such instance happened at the 1988 French Open, when Steffi Graf crushed Natasha Zvereva 6-0, 6-0—a match that stunned tennis fans worldwide. This tells us that despite the depth and competitiveness of modern tennis, occasionally, the stars align for complete dominance. Świątek’s tactical intelligence, precise shot-making, and comfort on grass—a surface she’s historically improved upon—combined for one of the most commanding performances Wimbledon has ever seen.

Reflecting on moments of crushing defeat in tennis history, it’s natural to recall legendary players who have publicly dealt with their own humbling losses and emerged stronger. Andy Murray’s journey offers a particularly compelling narrative. The Scottish former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam winner has spoken openly about setbacks, especially his heavy loss to Roger Federer during the 2014 ATP Finals. Federer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, delivered a tough lesson to Murray, who described the experience as a moment of true humility.

Unlike many athletes who might retreat after such a blow, Murray’s story is one of resilience. Andy’s reflection on that difficult day highlights a universal truth in sports: setbacks do not define a career, but the response to them does. Murray’s ability to channel disappointment into motivation paid off spectacularly. He went on to capture historic victories, including two Olympic gold medals—the first male singles player to do so since 1908—and three Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledon crowns. His career arc epitomizes the importance of perseverance and mental toughness in elite competition.

Historically, tennis has witnessed remarkable comebacks from daunting losses. One of the most famous examples is Arthur Ashe, who overcame personal and professional adversity throughout the 1960s and 1970s to become the first Black man to win Wimbledon in 1975. Ashe’s legacy is not only built on his skill but on his relentless spirit in the face of setbacks, injuries, and social challenges. Like Murray, Ashe’s journey exemplifies that setbacks can inspire greatness rather than signal defeat.

The psychological aspect of tennis often goes underappreciated. While physical conditioning and technical skills catch the eye, it’s the mental resilience that distinguishes champions. Whether it’s Ivan Lendl overcoming numerous Grand Slam final losses before finally breaking through or Serena Williams battling through injuries and personal challenges to keep winning majors, the mental game is just as critical as the physical one.

Świątek herself has spoken about the mental hurdles tennis players face, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and focus. As a young talent who has already won multiple Grand Slams, she embodies the modern athlete’s blend of physical prowess and psychological resilience—a combination that can lead to overwhelming performances like her Wimbledon final.

So, when we witness a one-sided defeat, it’s worth remembering that tennis careers are marathon stories, not just snapshots of individual matches. Heavy losses like those endured by Anisimova or Murray’s 2014 defeat are not endpoints but rather vital chapters that contribute to the growth and eventual triumphs of athletes.

In the grand scheme, tennis teaches us about the value of perseverance, adaptation, and maintaining perspective through highs and lows. Every champion has faced moments of doubt and defeat, and it is their response—learned resilience and determination—that cements their legacy. The next time you encounter setbacks, whether in sports or life, consider how these challenges might be the very foundation for your future success. After all, as the inspiring words echo through tennis history: “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.”