đź“° Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach First Wimbledon Final
American’s comeback story continues as she sets up dream clash with Iga Swiatek
🌱 From Qualifying Exit to Centre Court Glory
Just one year ago, Amanda Anisimova was watching Wimbledon from the sidelines, having failed to qualify for the tournament. Today, she’s preparing to play in her first Grand Slam final after a stunning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t have believed this if you told me a year ago,” said the 23-year-old American. “To be in the Wimbledon final is just indescribable.”
đź’« A Year of Transformation
Ranked 191st this time last year, Anisimova spent Wimbledon week relaxing with loved ones, trying to forget tennis. She had taken a lengthy break from the sport to prioritise her mental health, only returning to competitive action last year.
Now, she becomes only the second woman in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam final after losing in qualifying the previous year — following in the footsteps of Bianca Andreescu, who won the US Open in 2019.
🎾 Back to Her Best on Centre Stage
With her sister Maria, nephew Jaxson (celebrating his fourth birthday), and close friend Priscilla Hon in the crowd, Anisimova delivered the kind of fearless, heavy-hitting tennis that once made her one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
This is the same player who beat Simona Halep and Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open in 2019 on her way to the semi-finals, only to be derailed later that year by the sudden death of her father and coach, Konstantin.
🧠Mental Health and Second Chances
Anisimova took most of 2023 off to heal mentally — a decision that drew skepticism from many. But her return is now a triumphant rebuke to the doubters.
“A lot of people told me I’d never make it to the top again,” she said. “This run proves you can come back if you prioritise yourself.”
🏆 History Beckons
Anisimova will face Poland’s Iga Swiatek in Saturday’s Wimbledon final. If she wins, she’ll become the third American woman to capture a major in 2025, following Madison Keys (Australian Open) and Coco Gauff (French Open).
With this Wimbledon run, Anisimova is projected to break into the world’s top 10 — a major milestone for a player who was once ranked outside the top 400.
“Amanda always had the potential,” said 2013 Wimbledon champion and BBC analyst Marion Bartoli. “She just needed to put the pieces back together.”
