Emotional Victory for Amanda Anisimova
WIMBLEDON, England – Amanda Anisimova experienced an emotional moment on Tuesday as she fell to her knees on the grass of Court No. 1 after defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a hard-fought match, winning 6-1, 7-6 (9). This victory marked her impressive return to a major semifinal for the first time since 2019, a span that included a lengthy hiatus to address her mental health issues. With tears of joy or sweat trickling down her face, the 23-year-old American couldn’t contain her excitement when talking to the media after the match.
“I feel like everything has been happening for me lately, and I am gaining more confidence with each tournament I compete in this year,” said Anisimova, seeded No. 13. “I’m really savoring every moment of this journey.”
Upcoming Challenge Against Aryna Sabalenka
Her path ahead will not be easy, as she prepares to face Aryna Sabalenka, the event’s top seed who comfortably defeated Laura Siegemund 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 earlier on Centre Court.
Sabalenka has been a dominant force in women’s tennis, boasting an impressive record of consistently reaching major semifinals—having achieved this milestone in four consecutive Grand Slam events. Her credentials, including three major titles and being ranked No. 1 in the world since October, position her as a formidable opponent. However, Anisimova holds a slight edge in their head-to-head matchups, having won five out of eight encounters, including their first two major meetings.
Intense Rivalry and Past Encounters
Despite Sabalenka’s recent victories over Anisimova—including a win at the French Open last month—Anisimova believes their upcoming clash will showcase their powerful playing styles, predicting “very aggressive tennis”. Both athletes acknowledge the intensity of their past meetings, with Anisimova revealing her eagerness to face the world No. 1 on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
Their recent encounter in the French Open saw Sabalenka take an early lead, showcasing her impressive serve, but Anisimova responded fiercely, raising her game significantly even after losing the first set. Sabalenka later admitted that adjusting her rhythm was key to her victory in that match.
Grass Court Advantage and Personal Journeys
Now, as they head onto the grass, a surface where both players’ skills can shine brightly, Sabalenka expressed her respect for Anisimova’s game, noting that the grass could play to her advantage.
Sabalenka has also faced the challenge of having previously faltered in major finals, including the Australian Open and French Open, making her quest for a Wimbledon title particularly poignant. In contrast, Anisimova’s journey has been a rollercoaster; after showcasing her potential with a famous run to the Roland Garros semifinals when she was just 17, she faced significant personal challenges, including the tragic death of her father and coach, which caused her to take a step back from the sport. Ultimately, she returned, slowly rebuilding her ranking and confidence—culminating in this week’s impressive performances.
Looking Ahead
With both players’ trajectories filled with hurdles and triumphs, their upcoming semifinal promises to be an enthralling encounter. Anisimova, fresh off a monumental quarterfinal win, will break into the top 10 next week, with a chance to rise even higher depending on the outcomes of her future matches. Meanwhile, the semifinals continue, with other exciting matchups, ensuring the week at Wimbledon remains unpredictable and exhilarating. One thing is certain: come Saturday, a new Wimbledon champion will be crowned.
