Amanda Anisimova pulled off a stunning upset at Wimbledon on Thursday, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final. The 23-year-old American delivered fearless tennis and powerful shot-making in a thrilling match that kept Centre Court on edge.
This win is Anisimova’s sixth victory over Sabalenka in nine meetings. It also keeps the dream alive for a third American woman to win a Grand Slam this year. Madison Keys took the Australian Open title, and Coco Gauff lifted the French Open trophy earlier this season.
“This doesn’t feel real right now,” Anisimova said in her post-match interview, smiling. “Aryna is such a tough competitor. I was dying out there. I honestly don’t know how I pulled it off.”
The match was intense from the start. The first set saw both players trading heavy shots, but Anisimova held her nerve. Sabalenka handed her the set with a costly double fault.
In the second set, Sabalenka bounced back. She broke for a 4-3 lead after some unforced errors from the 13th seed. Her aggressive return game helped her level the match, 6-4.
As the final set began, both players exchanged early breaks. But Anisimova found another gear. She took control when Sabalenka hit a shot long at a crucial moment. The American held her ground to seal a place in the final against either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic.
The heat was brutal, with temperatures reaching 30°C. Sabalenka even stopped play twice to help fainting fans, offering water and ice packs. But in the end, it was Anisimova who held strong under pressure.
This is Anisimova’s first Grand Slam final and her best result since reaching the 2019 French Open semi-final as a teenager. She took a mental health break in 2023 and only returned to the tour this year.
“It’s been a complete turnaround,” she said. “To be here, on this court, in a Grand Slam final… it’s indescribable. I feel so lucky.”
She added that she plans to watch the second semi-final closely to prepare for the final. “Whoever it is, it’s going to be a battle,” she said. “I just hope I can enjoy some time with my family too.”
Meanwhile, Sabalenka will be left disappointed. She missed the chance to reach a fourth straight major final. The Belarusian had already lost in the finals of the Australian Open and French Open this year.
Anisimova’s incredible run at Wimbledon has now put her one step away from history. Can she become the next American Grand Slam champion in 2025?
