World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka knocks out by Anisimova in semis
Amanda Anisimova delivered a stunning upset by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka, propelling herself into the Wimbledon final with a hard-fought victory of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. This milestone marks Anisimova's first appearance in a Wimbledon final and highlights her exceptional prowess as a power-hitter, particularly under the blazing sun on Centre Court.
After two intense hours and 36 minutes of fierce competition, Anisimova expressed her disbelief and excitement regarding her remarkable achievement.
“This doesn’t feel real right now. Aryna is such a tough competitor... to emerge victorious and secure a spot in the final of Wimbledon is nothing short of incredible,” she declared.
Anisimova's journey to this final is historic; she became only the second player in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam final after experiencing a setback in the previous year's qualifying rounds.
"If you had told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon, I wouldn’t have believed you," she admitted.
This moment signifies a powerful redemption for Anisimova, once hailed as a teenage prodigy after her remarkable run to the 2019 French Open semi-finals at just 17. However, the weight of expectations proved overwhelming, prompting her to take an eight-month hiatus from tennis in 2023 to address her mental well-being.
“I struggled with the lifestyle… it was impacting my performance on the court,” she shared.
Upon her return, Anisimova's resurgence has been nothing short of inspiring, highlighted by her victory at the Qatar Open and a strong performance at Queen's Club. Now, following her journey to the Wimbledon semi-finals, she is poised to break into the top 10 of the WTA rankings for the first time—an achievement that underscores her incredible potential.
Conversely, Sabalenka faced yet another painful disappointment in her relentless pursuit of a Grand Slam title. Despite being a formidable competitor, she has struggled to overcome Anisimova, having lost six of their nine encounters.
In a match defined by tenacity and resilience, Anisimova saved crucial break points and seized critical moments, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure. Even when she couldn't convert a match point while serving, she maintained her poise, ultimately sealing what she described as the “biggest win of her life.” This victory not only propels her into the final but also signifies the realization of her immense potential on the world stage.
