Wimbledon Upset: Anisimova Edges Sabalenka in Thrilling Semifinal Match

Amanda Anisimova pulls off a stunning upset, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Wimbledon final.

Amanda Anisimova pulled off a stunning upset, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Wimbledon final. With a display of fierce determination and aggressive shot-making, Anisimova outclassed Sabalenka, improving their head-to-head record to 6-3. The win keeps American hopes alive for a third women's Grand Slam title this year, following Madison Keys' Australian Open win and Coco Gauff's French Open triumph.

“This doesn't feel real right now, honestly,” a beaming Anisimova said in her on-court interview.

“Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. Yeah, I don't know how I pulled it off. I mean, she's such an incredible competitor and she's an inspiration to me and I'm sure so many other people.

“We've had so many tough battles. To come out on top today and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special. The atmosphere was incredible. I know she's the number one, but a lot of people were cheering for me. Huge thanks to everyone.”

On the scorching Centre Court, where temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius, Sabalenka showed remarkable sportsmanship by rushing to help ill fans, providing them with cold water and an ice pack. However, despite her kindness, Sabalenka couldn't withstand the pressure from Anisimova, ultimately cracking under the American's onslaught in the 10th game of the deciding set.

The 23-year-old Anisimova pushed Sabalenka to her limits, forcing her opponent to fight for every point. Anisimova seized an opportunity to take the first set when Sabalenka faltered with a double fault, handing her the set 6-4.

Sabalenka mounted a fierce comeback, breaking Anisimova for a 4-3 lead and capitalizing on some sloppy errors from the American. The world No. 1 ultimately leveled the match at one set apiece, winning the second set 6-4.

 

Amanda Anisimova is into her MAIDEN Grand Slam final 👏🇺🇸#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UlYNs4srVj

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) July 10, 2025

The two players traded breaks early in the deciding set, punctuating their shots with loud grunts. However, Anisimova seized control when Sabalenka's shot sailed long, allowing her to break and ultimately book her spot in the final. Anisimova's remarkable run left her stunned, especially after taking a mental health break in 2023. She'll now face Iga Swiatek in the final.

“It's been a year turnaround since coming back and to be in this spot ... I mean, it's not easy and so many people dream of, competing on this incredible court,” Anisimova added.

“It's been such a privilege to compete here and to be in the final is just indescribable.”

Despite the grueling conditions and nearly three-hour match, Anisimova's focus was partly on the second semi-final, knowing the winner would be her next opponent - a fact that was undoubtedly on her mind.

“It's going to be an incredible match and whoever comes out on top, it's going to be a battle in the final,” she said.

"The moment of this young woman's life" 👏

Amanda Anisimova completes an extraordinary semi-final to defeat No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and book her spot in her first ever #Wimbledon final 💥

Take. A. Bow. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/WexH4VL2k2

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025

“Hopefully I can finally spend some time with my family.”

Sabalenka suffered another major heartbreak, missing the opportunity to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014-15 to reach four consecutive Grand Slam finals, after being beaten in the Australian and French Open title matches.