Amanda Anisimova defied expectations on Thursday, showcasing fierce determination and fearless shot-making to outclass world number one Aryna Sabalenka and secure her spot in a maiden Wimbledon final. She is now set to face Iga Swiatek for the Grand Slam title.
Anisimova’s 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory extends her head-to-head record against her powerful rival to 6-3. This win also keeps alive American hopes for a third women’s Grand Slam champion this year, following Madison Keys‘ triumph at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff‘s win at the French Open.
Awaiting her in the final is five-time major winner Iga Swiatek, who continued her impressive form on grass this year by powering into her first final at the All England Club. Swiatek achieved this with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 demolition of Tokyo Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.
In Saturday’s final, 23-year-old Anisimova will aim to become the first American woman to win Wimbledon since Serena Williams in 2016.
“This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly,” a beaming Anisimova expressed shortly after her intense match.
“Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. Yeah, I don’t know how I pulled it off. I mean, she’s such an incredible competitor and she’s an inspiration to me and I’m sure so many other people. We’ve had so many tough battles. To come out on top today and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special. The atmosphere was incredible. I know she’s the number one, but a lot of people were cheering for me. Huge thanks to everyone.”
On a scorching Centre Court, where temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius, Sabalenka twice rushed to assist ailing fans by providing cold water bottles and an ice pack, before ultimately succumbing to the pressure from her opponent in the 10th game.
Anisimova, who was competing in her first Grand Slam semi-final since her impressive run at the 2019 French Open as a gifted teenager, forced her opponent to fight for every point. She sealed the opening set when the Belarusian committed a double fault.
With her back against the wall, Sabalenka fought valiantly, embracing the spirit of the tiger, her totem animal. She broke Anisimova for a 4-3 lead, eventually leveling the match at one set apiece after some unforced errors from the 13th seed.
Having matched each other’s decibel levels in a cacophony of grunting, the duo exchanged breaks at the start of the deciding set. However, Anisimova seized another opportunity when Sabalenka sent a shot long, ultimately paving her way to the championship match.
In Utter Disbelief
Anisimova, who took a mental health break in 2023, expressed her complete disbelief at reaching a Grand Slam final for the first time at Wimbledon.
“It’s been a year turnaround since coming back and to be in this spot… I mean, it’s not easy and so many people dream of competing on this incredible court,” Anisimova added. “It’s been such a privilege to compete here and to be in the final is just indescribable.”
Despite an almost three-hour workout in demanding conditions, Anisimova’s thoughts were clearly on watching the second semi-final to determine her next opponent.
