Amanda Anisimova pulled off the biggest win of her career, upsetting world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping Wimbledon semi-final to reach her first-ever Grand Slam final.
Under the blazing Centre Court sun, the American held her nerve to seal a dramatic 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win. The match lasted 2 hours and 35 minutes and was full of tension, momentum swings, and raw emotion.
Anisimova, 23, saved 11 of 14 break points and showed huge mental strength throughout. At one point, she lost four straight games but responded with three of her own to regain control in the deciding set. Her fourth match point finally sealed it.
“This doesn’t feel real,” she said courtside. “I was absolutely dying out there.”
Her victory means Sabalenka has now lost to an American in each of this year’s Grand Slams. Coco Gauff beat her in Paris, Madison Keys in Melbourne, and now Anisimova at Wimbledon. Sabalenka was also trying to reach her fourth straight Grand Slam final, something only Serena Williams has done in the past decade.
Anisimova’s journey to this moment has been anything but smooth. Just over a year ago, she took time away from tennis, citing burnout and mental health struggles. Now, she stands one match away from Wimbledon glory.
The Florida-based player first broke through as a teenager at the 2019 French Open but had struggled for consistency since. This run marks a huge turning point in her career.
She will face either Iga Swiatek who defeated Belinda Bencic in Saturday’s final. With this win, Anisimova is guaranteed a career-high ranking of No.7.
Sabalenka will stay at No.1 for a 39th consecutive week, but this loss will sting. For Anisimova, the dream lives on.
