LONDON — Amanda Anisimova’s tennis journey has come full circle in spectacular fashion at Wimbledon. A little over two years ago, she took a break from the sport due to burnout.
Last year, she had to go through qualifying for Wimbledon because her ranking of 189th wasn’t high enough to enter the main draw automatically.
Fast forward to 2025, and Anisimova has become a Grand Slam finalist for the first time in her career after an impressive 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka on a scorching Centre Court.
Anisimova’s Impressive Victory
The match between Anisimova and Sabalenka was a captivating spectacle, filled with power shots, dramatic moments, and intensity. Anisimova, the 13th seed, was playing in just her second major semifinal after a previous loss in the 2019 French Open at the age of 17.
Despite the odds, Anisimova was able to hold her own against the heavy-hitting Sabalenka, known for her explosive game.
The match lasted 2 hours and 36 minutes, with both women displaying exceptional aggression from the baseline. Anisimova showed incredible mental resilience, especially in the third set when she saved 11 of the 14 break points she faced.
The win was capped by a forehand winner on her fourth match point, sending her into her first-ever Grand Slam final.
Iga Swiatek Awaits in the Final
In the final, Anisimova will face Polish sensation Iga Swiatek, who made quick work of Belinda Bencic in the other semifinal with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 victory.
Swiatek, a five-time major champion, was in complete control throughout her match, firing serves as fast as 119 mph and hitting 26 winners compared to just 13 unforced errors.
Despite her dominance on hard and clay courts, this is Swiatek’s first major final appearance at Wimbledon, having previously reached the quarterfinals just once.
Swiatek admitted her surprise at her grass-court success. “Tennis keeps surprising me,” she said. “I thought I lived through everything, even though I’m young. But I didn’t experience playing well on grass. That’s the first time.” With a 5-0 record in major finals, Swiatek is confident heading into the final, where she aims for her sixth Grand Slam title.
Anisimova’s Remarkable Comeback
Anisimova’s journey to the Wimbledon final is particularly heartwarming considering her struggles in the past. In May 2023, she took time off to address mental health struggles that had been affecting her performance.
But now, at 23, she’s playing the best tennis of her career, with her crisp groundstrokes and particularly strong backhand.
Anisimova’s victory over Sabalenka marks her first appearance in a Grand Slam final, and her achievement is even more remarkable considering her tough road to recovery. “If you told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon, I would not believe you,” Anisimova admitted with a laugh. “At least not this soon.”
Her hard work has paid off, and no matter the result in the final, Anisimova is guaranteed to break into the top 10 of the WTA rankings next week.
Sabalenka’s Disappointment
For Sabalenka, this loss is another disappointment at Wimbledon, where she has yet to make it past the semifinals. The Belarusian, who has already won three Grand Slam titles and made it to three finals in the last four majors, was looking to reach her fourth consecutive Grand Slam final. However, she was unable to maintain her momentum after taking the second set.
Sabalenka acknowledged her opponent’s superior play, saying simply, “She was the better player,” before adding, “Losing sucks, you know? You always feel like … you don’t want to exist anymore.”
Despite her frustration, Sabalenka showed sportsmanship in the aftermath of the match and was already looking ahead to the next challenge.
A Historic Women’s Final at Wimbledon
This final will mark the eighth consecutive year in which a first-time Wimbledon women’s champion will be crowned. Both Anisimova and Swiatek are in top form, and the final is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.
The winner will not only secure a Wimbledon trophy but also make history as the first woman to win her first Wimbledon title in consecutive years.
Amanda Anisimova’s incredible victory over Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon is a testament to her resilience and mental strength. After battling back from personal and professional challenges, Anisimova will now face Iga Swiatek in a highly anticipated final.
With both players in top form, the Wimbledon women’s final promises to be an exciting conclusion to one of the most dramatic tournaments in recent memory.
