Amanda Anisimova Upsets Aryna Sabalenka to Reach First Grand Slam Final at Wimbledon
Amanda Anisimova defeats Aryna Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinals, marking her first Grand Slam final appearance after overcoming significant challenges in her career.
Overview
- Amanda Anisimova achieved a major upset by defeating No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinals, securing her place in the final.
- This marks Anisimova's first Grand Slam final, where she will face Iga Swiatek, who advanced after defeating Belinda Bencic.
- Anisimova's journey to the final is remarkable, considering she was ranked 189th last year and took a break from tennis due to burnout.
- Sabalenka has faced disappointment in Grand Slam semifinals, losing to American players and missing out on four consecutive finals.
- Anisimova's victory at Wimbledon is a significant milestone, following her previous semifinal appearance at the 2019 French Open.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources emphasize Amanda Anisimova's remarkable achievement in defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, framing it as a significant upset. They highlight Anisimova's journey, including her past struggles with burnout, while subtly downplaying Sabalenka's repeated semifinal losses, reflecting a narrative that celebrates resilience and emerging talent in tennis.
Anisimova will face either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic, who will compete in the other semifinal, in the final on Saturday.
Articles (11)
Center (5)
"…To be in the finals at Wimbledon is so incredibly special."
CBS News·4d·"…Now she has a final to prepare for."
BBC News·4d·"…Look at Anisimova now: She’s a Grand Slam finalist for the first time after upsetting No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a compelling contest at a steamy Centre Court on Thursday."
Associated Press·4d·"…Anisimova has put together her best season as a professional, winning her first WTA 1000 title earlier this year."
NBC News·4d·"…With the victory, Anisimova will at least surge to a career-high No. 7 in the next WTA rankings, while Sabalenka, despite the loss, will hold on to the No. 1 spot for the 39th straight week."
USA TODAY·4d·FAQ
Amanda Anisimova turned professional in 2016 and rose to prominence with a top-10 win in 2018. She won her first WTA title in 2019 and reached the French Open semifinals the same year. After a break in 2023 due to burnout, she returned strongly in 2024 and 2025, culminating in her first Grand Slam final appearance at Wimbledon 2025.
Amanda Anisimova will face Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. Swiatek advanced to the final after defeating Belinda Bencic in the semifinals.
Aryna Sabalenka has experienced disappointment in Grand Slam semifinals, having lost to American players and missing out on four consecutive Grand Slam finals before her 2025 Wimbledon semifinal loss to Anisimova.
Before her 2025 Wimbledon final run, Anisimova was the youngest semifinalist at the 2019 French Open in over a decade, won three WTA titles including a WTA 1000 event, and achieved a career-high WTA ranking of No. 12 in June 2025.
After being ranked 189th in 2024 and taking a break from tennis due to burnout, Amanda Anisimova returned to form, winning significant matches and improving her ranking to a career-high No. 12 by mid-2025, culminating in her reaching the Wimbledon final.
History
- 4d4 articles