Anisimova beats Sabalenka to Reach First Grand Slam Final at Wimbledon

Amanda Anisimova produced a sensational performance to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping Wimbledon semi-final, securing her spot in a maiden Grand Slam final against Poland’s Iga Swiatek.

The 13th-seeded American triumphed 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a fiercely contested battle that lasted two hours and 35 minutes under scorching conditions on Centre Court. Overcoming 11 of 14 break points, the 23-year-old sealed the win on her fourth match point, blowing kisses to an appreciative crowd in celebration.

“This doesn’t feel real,” a visibly emotional Anisimova said post-match. “I was absolutely dying out there. I don’t know how I pulled it out, but to be in a Wimbledon final is incredibly special.”

Sabalenka, who had appeared in the last three Grand Slam finals, fell short this time. The Belarusian had already endured heartbreak in 2025, finishing runner-up at both the Australian Open and the French Open to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff respectively.

Anisimova’s journey to the top has been anything but linear. Once touted as a teenage prodigy after reaching the 2019 French Open semi-finals at just 17 — a run that included wins over defending champion Simona Halep and Sabalenka — her rise was interrupted by a break from tennis in 2023 to focus on her mental health.

Even entering this year’s grass-court season, few expected her to be a serious contender. A runner-up finish at the Queen’s Club Championships hinted at a return to form, but overcoming Sabalenka’s power and Grand Slam pedigree was seen as a tall order.

However, Anisimova’s intelligent movement, anticipation, and sharp return game proved vital. The opening set turned in her favour following a tense game at 5-4 on Sabalenka’s serve — a battle that included six deuces and ended with a double fault from the three-time major winner.

The brutal heat added another dimension to the drama, with Sabalenka at one point assisting stricken spectators by handing out water bottles and ice packs.

In the second set, Sabalenka shifted momentum with a break at 3-3, capitalising on Anisimova’s errors. Despite fending off four set points in a gritty service game, Anisimova couldn’t prevent Sabalenka from eventually levelling the match.

The third set looked to be swinging Sabalenka’s way after an early break, but a lapse in focus allowed Anisimova to reel off four consecutive games. Although nerves crept in as she served for the match, facing three break points, Anisimova showed remarkable composure to seal victory at the third time of asking.

With Sabalenka still searching for her first Wimbledon final and first Slam title outside hard courts, Anisimova now prepares for the biggest match of her career against top seed Iga Swiatek.