Amanda Anisimova stood under the bright Wimbledon sun, her face flushed with emotion and disbelief. Moments after defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set semi-final, the 23-year-old American took the microphone for her on-court interview. Her voice trembled slightly, not from exhaustion, but from the overwhelming joy of reaching her first Grand Slam final.

“If you told me I’d be in the final at Wimbledon, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said, eyes scanning the crowd. “At least not this soon.”

A Year of Transformation

The journey to this moment was anything but linear. Just over a year ago, Anisimova had stepped away from tennis, citing mental health struggles and burnout. Her return in 2024 was quiet but determined, marked by steady progress and a renewed sense of purpose. Now, in 2025, she’s back on the biggest stage in tennis, proving that resilience and self-care can lead to remarkable comebacks.

“It’s been a year turnaround since coming back,” she shared. “To be in this spot is not easy. So many people dream of competing on this incredible court.”

The Match That Changed Everything

Her semi-final clash with Sabalenka was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts and emotional intensity. After splitting the first two sets, Anisimova found herself trailing early in the third. But she rallied, breaking Sabalenka twice and holding her nerve through multiple match points. Her final forehand winner sealed the victory and sent Centre Court into a frenzy.

“I was absolutely dying out there,” she admitted with a laugh. “Aryna is such a tough competitor. We’ve had so many battles, and to come out on top today is incredibly special.”

Gratitude and Grounding

As she looked toward the stands, Anisimova acknowledged the people who had supported her through the highs and lows. Her sister, brother-in-law, and young nephew were among those cheering her on, and she made sure to send them a heartfelt message.

“I have my beautiful family over there,” she said, smiling. “It’s been such a privilege to compete here. To be in the final is just indescribable.”

Eyes on the Final

With her place secured in Saturday’s final, Anisimova now prepares to face Iga Swiatek, who cruised past Belinda Bencic in the other semi-final. The two have never met in singles competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the championship match.

“It’s going to be a battle,” Anisimova said. “Whoever comes out on top, it’s going to be incredible. I’m just going to enjoy every moment.”

From a quiet return to a roaring Centre Court celebration, Amanda Anisimova’s journey to the Wimbledon final is one of grit, grace, and unexpected glory.

Aryna Sabalenka in 2025

Ranked world no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 1^st of January 1970 when she was overcome by world no.12 Amanda Anisimova 6-4 4-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Wimbledon (draw).

This year the Belarussian has a composed 47-9 record. The Belarussian has won 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. Aryna reached the final at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart and French Open.

Anisimova in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently ranked no.12 (career-high), Anisimova has achieved a 31-12 match record in 2025. The American is currently having a run in Wimbledon where she defeated the world no.33 Yulia Putintseva 6-0 6-0, the world no.71 Renata Zarazua 6-4 6-3, the world no.110 Dalma Galfi 6-3 5-7 6-3, the world no.27 Linda Noskova 6-2 5-7 6-4, the world no.50 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 7-6(9) and the world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4.

Amanda Anisimova will come up against the world no.4 Iga Swiatek in the final. In the past, they have never competed against each other till now in top competitions.

Amanda conquered 1 title in 2025 in Doha. Amanda reached the final in London (LTA London Championships).

Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova faced off 9 times. Their current record is 6-3 for Anisimova.

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