Amanda Anisimova defeated No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinal on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (ESPN/Imagn Images)
Two years ago, Amanda Anisimova walked away from tennis, drained by burnout and struggling with her mental health. A year ago, she didn’t even qualify for Wimbledon. Today, she’s heading to her first-ever Grand Slam final.
In a nail-biting showdown on Centre Court, Anisimova defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 36 minutes. The 23-year-old American sealed victory with a forehand winner on her fourth match point.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Anisimova Reaches Wimbledon Final
Anisimova took a break from tennis in 2023, citing emotional exhaustion. Her comeback wasn’t easy, but it’s been nothing short of remarkable. This semifinal was only her second at a major, the first being the French Open in 2019 when she was just 17.
Her victory on Thursday guarantees her a spot in the WTA Top 10 for the first time in her career, no matter the outcome of Saturday’s final. She’ll face either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic for the title—and the winner will mark the eighth straight first-time women’s champion at Wimbledon.
“If you told me a year ago I’d be in the Wimbledon final, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Anisimova said with a wide smile.
“This doesn’t feel real.”
A Battle in the Heat
The match was physically intense, with both players trading powerful shots under sweltering conditions. Temperatures soared to 31°C (88°F), prompting brief delays when fans sitting courtside fell ill from the heat.
Sabalenka, known for her fierce competitiveness, even handed out water and ice packs to the crowd. On the court, her serves reached 120 mph, while Anisimova wasn’t far behind at 112 mph. Most rallies ended within three shots.
After dropping the second set, Anisimova bounced back hard in the third. She built a commanding 4-1 lead, wavered briefly, but held firm to close out the match 6-4.
Mutual Respect Despite the Upset
Despite the loss, Sabalenka received kind words from her opponent.
“She’s such an incredible competitor and an inspiration,” Anisimova said.
The upset halted Sabalenka’s bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams to reach four straight Grand Slam finals. But for Anisimova, the moment is all hers.
A comeback story, a career milestone, and a shot at Wimbledon glory—Amanda Anisimova is just getting started.
