Amanda Anisimova has made history by reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal in six years, captivating audiences on Wimbledon’s No. 1 Court, where she celebrated her victory with her young nephew, Jackson. The American player triumphed over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova with a score of 6-1, 7-6 (9), overcoming five set points in a tense second set tiebreaker that showcased her resilience and determination.
After making headlines in 2019 by reaching the semifinals of the French Open at just 17 years old, Anisimova faced challenges that included a year-long break due to struggles with her mental health and burnout. Now 23 years old and seeded 13th at Wimbledon, she is set to make her debut in the top 10 of the world rankings after the tournament—a significant turnaround from last year when she was unable to qualify for the main draw.
“This year has been extraordinary. There have been so many highs, and I’m enjoying every step of the way,” Anisimova expressed, reflecting on her journey. On Thursday, she faces the world’s number 1 player, Aryna Sabalenka, for a chance to compete in the final.
During her match against Pavlyuchenkova, Anisimova displayed powerful and consistent play, building a considerable lead and demonstrating her strong backhand to secure decisive points. Despite facing a tiebreak with a tough 6-3 deficit, she kept her composure, fighting back to eventually close the match with an impressive serve.
Her emotional win was celebrated with a heartfelt moment as she embraced her nephew Jackson, who had flown in from the U.S. to support her. “I’m just super grateful they got to experience this with me,” she said, highlighting the importance of family during such milestone moments.
Anisimova’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, inspiring fans with her comeback and providing a hopeful outlook on her future in tennis. With her eyes set on the next challenge, the anticipation for her upcoming match against Sabalenka only adds to the excitement of her remarkable Wimbledon run.