A year ago, Amanda Anisimova failed to qualify for Wimbledon’s main draw. On Thursday, the American provided a gutsy effort to upset the world’s top player at the grass-court major and reach her first Grand Slam final.
July 10 A year ago, Amanda Anisimova failed to qualify for Wimbledon’s main draw. On Thursday, the American provided a gutsy effort to upset the world’s top player at the grass-court major and reach her first Grand Slam final.
Anisimova broke Aryna Sabalenka’s serve three times and needed four match point chances to stun the Belarusian for the 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win. She will meet No. 4 Iga Swiatek — a former No. 1 — of Poland or No. 35 Belinda Bencic — an Olympic gold medalist — of Switzerland in the finale Saturday in London.
« This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly », Anisimova said on the ESPN broadcast. « Aryna is such a tough competitor. I was absolutely dying out there. I don’t know how I pulled it out.
« She is such an incredible competitor. She is an inspiration to me and so many other people. We’ve had so many tough battles. To come out on top and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special. »
With her victory, Anisimova became the first American since Serna Williams in 2019 to reach a Wimbledon final.
