WIMBLEDON, England — Amanda Anisimova dropped to her knees on the grass of No. 1 Court, overcome with emotion after her hard-fought 6-1, 7-6 (9) victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova secured her place in the Wimbledon semifinals. It had been six long years since Anisimova advanced to a major final, and the joy was palpable as she wiped away tears while smiling.
The 23-year-old American, seeded No. 13, later expressed her excitement to reporters, stating, “I feel like everything has been kind of clicking for me, and I’ve been feeling more and more confident with each tournament I’ve played this year.” Her growing confidence is evident, and she emphasized that she is relishing each moment of her comeback journey.
In stark contrast to Anisimova’s serene victory, Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s top seed, faced off against Laura Siegemund in a three-hour battle, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Sabalenka, a formidable player who has reached four consecutive major semifinals and boasts a remarkable 12-1 record in quarterfinals, is known for her aggressive style and tenacity on the court.
As Anisimova prepares to face Sabalenka in Thursday’s semifinal, the matchup promises to be an exciting clash of powerful tennis. Intriguingly, Anisimova has a slight edge over Sabalenka in their head-to-head record, leading 5-3 overall. However, recent encounters have tipped in the favor of Sabalenka, highlighting her determination and skill.
Exploring their previous matches, Sabalenka recognized the unique challenges Anisimova presents, especially given the different dynamics of grass courts. “I definitely think this surface suits her game really well,” Sabalenka noted, aware of Anisimova’s impressive shot-making abilities.
Anisimova’s journey has not been without its trials, having faced significant mental health challenges that led her to take a break from the sport in 2023. She noted how this time away allowed her to focus on her well-being, ultimately contributing to her resurgence in form. “Coming out of that break, it wasn’t all upward… but I feel like since last summer, it’s really trended upwards for me,” Anisimova remarked.
Looking ahead to potential final matchups, the tournament has seen remarkable performances from other contenders, including No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek and unseeded Belinda Bencic. Regardless of the final outcome, one thing is clear: a new champion will emerge from Wimbledon this year, making it an exhilarating time for fans and players alike.
With her spirit and motivation rekindled, Anisimova’s story serves as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, making this semifinal not just a personal milestone but a celebration of her journey back to the sport she loves.