Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Jul 10: In a career-defining moment, Amanda Anisimova delivered a masterclass of composure and grit to defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and secure a historic place in the Wimbledon 2025 final.
The 23-year-old American, seeded No. 13, showcased nerves of steel in a high-octane two-hour and 36-minute semifinal to claim her first win over a reigning No. 1 and sixth overall against a Top 5 opponent.
With this sensational win, Anisimova becomes the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2019. She's also etched her name in the record books as the first player born in the 2000s to reach a Wimbledon women’s singles final.
Her resurgence has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once hailed as a teen prodigy after her run to the French Open semifinals at 17, Anisimova’s career took a detour when she stepped away from tennis for seven months in 2023 to focus on her mental health.
Ranked No. 189 this time last year and failing to qualify for Wimbledon, the American’s return has been meteoric—marked by a runner-up finish in Toronto and her maiden WTA 1000 title in Doha. This Wimbledon breakthrough guarantees her entry into the WTA Top 10 next week.
The semifinal triumph also marks the end of a six-year, 34-day wait between Grand Slam semifinal appearances for Anisimova—one of the longest in Open Era history.
Awaiting her in the final could be Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic, who play their semifinal later today. If Swiatek wins, it would set up a thrilling all-2000s showdown on Centre Court.
Anisimova’s victory wasn’t just about overpowering Sabalenka—it was a full-circle moment, a revival forged through adversity, resilience, and quiet determination. Wimbledon has found its newest star.