CENTRE COURT, THE ALL ENGLAND CLUB — Amanda Anisimova has officially made her mark at Wimbledon. The former teenage sensation, who faced significant challenges after the tragic loss of her father and coach at the age of 17, achieved an impressive upset against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a gripping match played under the sweltering sun on Thursday. This victory marks Anisimova's first Grand Slam final appearance, making her the first American finalist at Wimbledon since Serena Williams in 2019.
The match unfolded as a thrilling contest of power, punctuated by moments of inconsistency and tightly contested games. Anisimova showcased remarkable composure when the stakes were high, thwarting Sabalenka's attempts to reach a final that has eluded her. “I knew that I was going to really have to go for it,” Anisimova reflected after the match. “Her level just kept increasing and getting better throughout the match. So to come out on top, I knew that I couldn’t win based solely on her mistakes.”
For Sabalenka, the loss adds to a series of disappointing outcomes against American players in crucial Grand Slam moments. Since reclaiming the world No. 1 position last fall and spending two months at the top in 2023, she has faced challenges in major tournaments. Despite a remarkable consistency, with 11 semifinal-or-better finishes in her past 12 Grand Slam appearances, Sabalenka's record in decisive sets has deteriorated, now standing at 3-9 in such critical matches.
In contrast to her previous emotional outbursts, Sabalenka maintained her composure on Centre Court. “We all can lose control over our emotions; it’s absolutely normal,” she stated in her post-match news conference. “Every time I felt close to losing it, I reminded myself that it wouldn’t help my game or my dream.” After the match, Sabalenka graciously congratulated Anisimova, acknowledging that she had been “more brave today.”
For the 23-year-old Floridian, this victory is a significant milestone in a remarkable journey. Anisimova's path back to the top has been fraught with challenges, including injuries and burnout that nearly derailed her career. Just last June, she struggled through Wimbledon qualifying, but over the past year, she has steadily rebuilt her confidence and skills. Hiring physiotherapist Shadi Soleymani in April marked a turning point, as he helped her focus on her health and fitness, leading to a resurgence in her performance.
The match saw momentum shifts, particularly when Sabalenka appeared to rally in the second set after breaking Anisimova's serve. However, Anisimova's resilience shone through as she responded with powerful shots and clever drop shots, refusing to let Sabalenka dominate. As the match progressed, Anisimova's nerves were tested, but she managed to stay focused and capitalize on critical points.
Now, Anisimova stands on the brink of a historic achievement as she prepares to face Iga Świątek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, in her first-ever Wimbledon final. “I always tell myself to enjoy every moment and stay in the present,” Anisimova shared about her mindset heading into the final. “I haven’t been in a Grand Slam final before, but I’ve experienced many high-stakes matches, and I’m ready for this challenge.”
This journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination in the world of tennis, highlighting Anisimova's incredible comeback story. With her sights set on victory, she aims to make history and inspire others with her remarkable journey.
