Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach First Wimbledon Final

SME News UK. In a sensational performance under the scorching Wimbledon sun, Amanda Anisimova sealed her place in the 2025 Wimbledon women’s singles final with a thrilling 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Centre Court.The 23-year-old American, who only returned to competitive tennis in early 2024 following an indefinite mental health break, delivered one of the standout performances of her career. The win makes her the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2019 — and it marks the first Grand Slam final appearance of her career.Anisimova, currently ranked world No. 12, will now face either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic in Saturday’s final.”Indescribable” Journey to the FinalSpeaking after her victory, a visibly emotional Anisimova reflected on her remarkable comeback.> “To be honest, if you had told me that I would be in the final of Wimbledon \[so soon after returning], I would not have believed you,” she told the BBC.> “To be in this spot, it is not easy, and so many people dream of competing on this incredible court. To be in the final is just indescribable.”Anisimova stepped away from the sport in May 2023 to prioritize her mental health, only returning at the 2024 Auckland Open. Just over a year later, she now stands one win away from her first Grand Slam title.A Battle in the HeatOn a sweltering afternoon in London, with temperatures reaching 29°C, both players brought intensity and flair to an electrifying Centre Court encounter.The opening set was a tight affair, with both players exchanging holds until a crucial error by Sabalenka — a double fault — handed Anisimova the set 6-4.Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, responded strongly in the second set. She broke Anisimova midway through after the American produced a costly double fault of her own. The Belarusian held firm to take the set 6-4 and level the match.Decisive Third Set DramaMomentum appeared to shift in Sabalenka’s favour early in the third, as she broke Anisimova in the opening game. But the American refused to back down, breaking straight back before holding for a 2-1 lead.With a steely resolve, Anisimova broke again to edge closer to the finish line, staving off two break points in a high-pressure game to move 4-1 ahead.Sabalenka, as fierce a competitor as they come, dug in to save match point at 5-3. But Anisimova would not be denied. On her second opportunity to serve for the match, she finished in style — a stunning cross-court forehand winner sealing the biggest win of her career.A New Chapter in American TennisAnisimova’s victory not only marks a personal triumph but also signals a new era for American women’s tennis. The Florida native, long hailed as a rising star, has now fully stepped into the spotlight on one of the sport’s grandest stages.She will await the outcome of the other semifinal between top-seeded Iga Swiatek and Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, as she prepares for the final chapter in her Cinderella run.Wimbledon Women’s Final 2025Amanda Anisimova vs. Iga Swiatek/Belinda BencicSaturday, Centre CourtStay tuned for full coverage and expert analysis leading up to the final.