WIMBLEDON, England – In a thrilling quarterfinal match, Amanda Anisimova triumphed over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova with a score of 6-1, 7-6 (9), securing her place in the semifinals of Wimbledon. The victory marked a significant milestone for Anisimova, who had not reached a major final since 2019 and had taken a mental health break in the intervening years. Overcome with emotion, the 23-year-old fell to her knees on the grass court, wiping away tears before expressing her joy to reporters.
Anisimova, seeded No. 13, radiated confidence as she reflected on her performance throughout the year. “I feel like everything has been kind of clicking for me,” she stated. “My confidence is pretty high. On top of that, I’m just enjoying every moment.” Her upcoming match against the tournament’s top seed, Aryna Sabalenka, promises to be an exciting showdown, especially considering the contrasting paths each player has taken to reach this stage.
Sabalenka’s Dominance and Head-to-Head History
Sabalenka, 27, recently showcased her resilience by coming back to defeat Laura Siegemund in a grueling match that lasted just under three hours, finishing with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The world No. 1 has been a formidable presence on the tour, having reached four consecutive major semifinals and winning three Grand Slam titles. With an impressive 12-1 record in quarterfinal matches, she stands as a significant challenge for Anisimova.
Despite Sabalenka’s accolades, Anisimova leads their head-to-head series with five wins out of eight encounters. Their most recent clash occurred at the French Open last month, where Sabalenka emerged victorious 7-5, 6-3, but not without a fight from Anisimova, who displayed remarkable tenacity. “I know she’s going to be playing some amazing tennis,” Anisimova remarked, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
Both players anticipate an intense match filled with aggressive play. Sabalenka described their previous meetings as “battles,” while Anisimova emphasized the excitement of competing against the world No. 1. “I’m going to be playing against a No. 1 in a semifinal of Wimbledon, so it’s going to be really special,” she added.
Path to the Semifinals: Anisimova’s Journey
Anisimova’s journey has been marked by both triumph and turmoil. After a stellar junior career, including winning the 2017 US Open girls’ title, she reached the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2019. However, the subsequent years brought personal challenges, leading her to take a break from the sport to focus on her mental health.
During her hiatus, Anisimova reassessed her priorities and returned to the court with renewed determination. Her comeback was punctuated by a significant title win at the Qatar Open earlier this year and a strong performance at Queen’s Club, where she reached her first grass final. “I feel like that break really served me,” she said, reflecting on her journey back to the top levels of the sport.
As she prepares to face Sabalenka, Anisimova stands on the brink of a remarkable return. A win would not only propel her into her first Grand Slam final but also elevate her ranking into the top 10 for the first time in her career.
The semifinal promises to be a spectacle, as both players showcase their formidable skills and determination. With the potential for a first-time Wimbledon champion, the excitement surrounding this matchup continues to build.
