LONDON — In a stunning display of resilience and redemption, 23-year-old Amanda Anisimova completed her remarkable comeback journey by defeating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in Thursday's Wimbledon semifinal to advance to her first Grand Slam final.
The American's triumph on Centre Court is made all the more extraordinary by the fact that just one year ago, she was ranked No.189 in the world and failed to qualify for Wimbledon's main draw, losing in the final round of qualifying. Now, she stands one win away from lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish.
"To be honest, if you told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon I would not believe you," an emotional Anisimova said in her on-court interview. "Especially not this soon. It's been a year's turnaround. So many dream of competing on this court. To be in the final is just indescribable, honestly."
Semifinal Result: Amanda Anisimova def. Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
Match Duration: 2 hours, 37 minutes
A Mental Health Journey
Anisimova's path to the Wimbledon final is about much more than just tennis. In May 2023, the American announced she was taking an indefinite break from the sport, citing mental health struggles and burnout that had made competing "unbearable."
During her eight-month hiatus, Anisimova found solace in art, volunteering at animal shelters, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities helped her reconnect with herself beyond her identity as a tennis player.
"I think it goes to show that it is possible to come back. When I took my break, a lot of people told me that you would never make it to the top again if you take so much time away. That was a little hard to digest because I did want to come back and still achieve a lot and win a Grand Slam one day."
— Amanda Anisimova
When she returned to the WTA Tour in January 2024, Anisimova was ranked No.442 in the world. Her climb back to the elite ranks of tennis has been nothing short of meteoric. After winning her third career title at the WTA 1000 event in Doha earlier this year, she entered Wimbledon as the 13th seed and will now rise to at least No.7 in the world rankings on Monday.
Sabalenka Slayer
Thursday's semifinal victory over Sabalenka was Anisimova's sixth win in nine meetings against the powerful Belarusian. Despite Sabalenka's status as the world's top-ranked player and a three-time Grand Slam champion, Anisimova has consistently found ways to neutralize her opponent's power game.
In a match played under blistering heat on Centre Court, both players delivered high-quality tennis filled with powerful groundstrokes. Anisimova claimed the opening set after a tense 56-minute battle, breaking Sabalenka in the tenth game when the world No.1 double-faulted on set point.
Sabalenka fought back to take the second set 6-4, but Anisimova showed remarkable poise in the decider. After falling behind an early break, she reeled off four consecutive games to take control. Though Sabalenka saved three match points and broke back to make it 5-4, Anisimova held her nerve, converting her fourth match point with a crisp forehand winner.
"Honestly, Aryna is such a tough competitor. I was dying out there. I don't know how I pulled it out. She's such a tough competitor. She's an inspiration to me and so many others. To come out on top today and to be in the finals of Wimbledon is so incredibly special."
— Amanda Anisimova on defeating Sabalenka
Early Promise Fulfilled
For those who have followed Anisimova's career, her breakthrough at Wimbledon represents the fulfillment of potential first glimpsed years ago. As a teenager, she was ranked as high as No.2 in the junior world rankings and won the US Open girls' title in 2017, defeating Coco Gauff in the final.
In 2019, at just 17 years old, Anisimova reached the French Open semifinals, becoming the youngest American woman to reach the final four of a Grand Slam since Jennifer Capriati in 1990. Her path to that semifinal included victories over Sabalenka and defending champion Simona Halep.
However, tragedy struck later that year when her father and coach, Konstantin, passed away suddenly just before the US Open. The loss sent Anisimova into an understandable tailspin, and she struggled to recapture her form in subsequent years.
Family Support
One of the most touching moments of Anisimova's semifinal victory came during her post-match celebration. After securing the win, she went to the edge of the stands to pick up her four-year-old nephew, Jaxson, who was celebrating his birthday. The pair walked hand-in-hand during her on-court interview.
"He flew in this morning, and it's his birthday today," Anisimova explained. "I'm just super grateful that they [her sister Maria and family] flew in and got to experience this with me. It doesn't happen often. It's super special."
Born in Freehold, New Jersey, to Russian parents who had emigrated to the United States before her birth, Anisimova first picked up a tennis racket at age three, inspired by watching her older sister's practice sessions.
Final Challenge Awaits
In Saturday's final, Anisimova will face Poland's Iga Swiatek, who defeated Switzerland's Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 in the other semifinal. Swiatek, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, will be the favorite, but Anisimova's powerful baseline game and newfound mental fortitude make her a dangerous opponent.
Should Anisimova triumph, she would become the third American woman to win a Grand Slam title in 2025, following Madison Keys at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff at the French Open.
Regardless of Saturday's outcome, Anisimova has already achieved something remarkable—proving that prioritizing mental health doesn't mean the end of athletic dreams, but can instead be the foundation for their fulfillment.
"I got into art when I was struggling with my mental health, and it was something that I did in my free time just to get my mind off of things. I think before that I didn't have any hobbies or interests other than just hanging out with my friends and family, so I wanted to find something that I enjoyed doing on my own. It's just a very good getaway for myself."
— Amanda Anisimova on finding balance through art