World number 12 Amanda Anisimova has advanced to her first Grand Slam final after a hard-fought three-set victory over top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka.
In a remarkable performance, Anisimova outplayed the world’s top player, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, showcasing her fierce determination and bold shot-making.
This win on Thursday improved Anisimova’s head-to-head record against her powerful opponent to 6-3 and keeps alive the hopes for an American to claim a third women’s Grand Slam title this year, following Madison Keys’ triumph at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff’s victory at the French Open.
“I can’t believe this is happening right now,” a delighted Anisimova said in a post-match interview.
“Aryna is an incredibly tough competitor, and I was really feeling the pressure out there. I’m not sure how I managed to pull this off. She’s such an amazing player and an inspiration to me and many others.
“We’ve had so many challenging matches. To come out on top today and reach the Wimbledon final is truly special. The atmosphere was fantastic. I know she’s the number one player, but I felt a lot of support from the crowd. Huge thanks to everyone.”
On Centre Court, where temperatures reached 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), Sabalenka paused twice to assist ill fans by providing cold water and ice packs before succumbing to pressure from Anisimova in the 10th game.
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The 23-year-old Anisimova, who last reached a major semifinal in 2019 at the French Open as a promising teenager, made Sabalenka work hard for every point and clinched the first set after Sabalenka committed a double fault.
Facing a tough situation, Sabalenka fought back fiercely, breaking Anisimova to take a 4-3 lead and eventually leveling the match at one set each, capitalizing on some uncharacteristic errors from the 13th seed.
The two players matched each other’s intensity with their grunting, exchanging breaks at the start of the final set. However, Anisimova seized the moment when Sabalenka hit a shot long, securing her place in the final against either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic.
Anisimova, who took a mental health break earlier this year, expressed her disbelief at reaching a Grand Slam final for the first time at Wimbledon.
“It’s been a year of transformation since my return, and being in this position is incredible. Competing on this amazing court is a dream for so many,” Anisimova remarked.
“It’s such a privilege to play here, and being in the final is beyond words.”
Despite her nearly three-hour battle in challenging conditions, Anisimova was already thinking about the second semifinal that would determine her next opponent.
“It’s going to be an amazing match, and whoever wins, it will be a tough battle in the final,” she said.