On a scorching Thursday at Wimbledon 2025, Amanda Anisimova delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career, toppling World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a nail-biting three-set battle: 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. With this victory, Anisimova not only continued her winning record against Sabalenka but also reached her first-ever Grand Slam final.
The 13th-seeded American has now defeated Sabalenka six times in their nine career meetings, proving once again that she thrives under pressure. Anisimova’s fierce determination and calm under fire helped her become the third American woman to reach a Grand Slam final in 2025, following in the footsteps of Madison Keys (Australian Open champion) and Coco Gauff (French Open champion).
“This doesn’t feel real right now,” Anisimova said, visibly emotional.
“If you told me a year ago I’d be in the Wimbledon final, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s been an amazing turnaround.”
A Triumph Against the Odds
Just a year ago, Anisimova was outside the top 180, having taken a seven-month mental health break in 2023. Her comeback journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Ranked No. 189 during last year’s Championships, she didn’t even make it past qualifying.
Fast forward to 2025, she’s now set to enter the WTA Top 10, debuting at World No. 7, regardless of the final’s outcome.
Match Highlights: Breaking Down the Drama
Anisimova began the match with stellar service games, saving four break points in the first set—including a remarkable hold from 0-40 at 3-3. She broke Sabalenka in a six-deuce game to seal the first set 6-4, showing nerves of steel.
Sabalenka, the top seed and a two-time Grand Slam finalist earlier this year, roared back in the second set. She broke Anisimova for the first time midway through, capitalizing on a few loose shots to claim the set 6-4.
In the decisive third set, Sabalenka broke immediately—but it was Anisimova who responded with grit and determination. She broke back twice, pulling ahead 4-1 and saving two crucial break points to maintain her lead. Finally, on her fourth match point, she hit a blazing forehand—her 30th winner—to clinch the match and erupt in triumph.
Wimbledon Final Awaits: Amanda vs. Iga Świątek
Anisimova now faces a daunting opponent in Iga Świątek, the No. 8 seed and former World No. 1, who made quick work of Belinda Bencic in the other semifinal—winning 6-2, 6-0 in under an hour.
Świątek has been on fire at Wimbledon and will pose a serious challenge in the final. But Anisimova, with her fearless hitting and mental resolve, has already proven she can go toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
An Emotional Milestone on Centre Court
The emotional weight of this milestone was visible in Anisimova’s post-match interview:
“Aryna is such a tough competitor—I was absolutely dying out there,” she laughed.
“To come out on top, on this court, at Wimbledon… It’s just so incredibly special. The crowd’s energy pushed me through.”
Despite battling temperatures above 30°C and the pressure of a Grand Slam semifinal, Anisimova stood tall. Even as Sabalenka showed incredible sportsmanship by helping fainting fans, the match ultimately belonged to the young American.
American Women Shine at Grand Slams in 2025
Amanda Anisimova’s success caps a stellar year for American women in tennis, with Gauff and Keys already securing Grand Slam titles earlier this season. With Anisimova now poised for a shot at Wimbledon glory, USA Tennis could celebrate a clean sweep of women’s majors in 2025.
As Saturday’s final approaches, one thing is certain—Amanda Anisimova has arrived, and the world will be watching her Wimbledon dream unfold.
Leave a Reply