Anisimova Outlasts Sabalenka; Swiatek Crushes Bencic to Set Up Wimbledon Final
In an electrifying day at Wimbledon, Amanda Anisimova shocked the world by outclassing top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka to secure her place in her first Wimbledon final. Anisimova’s stunning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory showcased her fierce determination and powerful shot-making, as she now prepares to face Iga Swiatek for a chance at Grand Slam glory.
Anisimova’s triumph over Sabalenka marks her sixth win in nine encounters against the Belarusian, keeping alive hopes for an American champion at Wimbledon for the first time since Serena Williams in 2016. Following her victory, Anisimova expressed her disbelief and elation, saying, “This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly. Aryna is such a tough competitor… To come out on top today and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special.”
The semi-final match took place under sweltering conditions on Centre Court, with temperatures soaring to 30 degrees Celsius. Anisimova, competing in her first Grand Slam semi-final since her remarkable run at the 2019 French Open, faced an uphill battle against Sabalenka, who demonstrated her trademark fighting spirit. Despite an initial setback, Anisimova seized the opening set after Sabalenka committed a crucial double fault.
In the second set, Sabalenka roared back, breaking Anisimova to level the match at one set apiece. The tension escalated as both players exchanged breaks in the deciding set, but Anisimova ultimately prevailed, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s unforced errors.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek continued her impressive run on grass, steamrolling through Belinda Bencic with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 victory. This marks Swiatek’s first Wimbledon final, a remarkable achievement for the five-time Grand Slam champion who had previously never advanced past the quarterfinals at the All England Club. “Honestly, I never even dreamt it was going to be possible for me to play in the final, so I’m super excited and just proud of myself,” Swiatek said after her victory.
Swiatek’s journey to the final has been marked by a newfound love for grass courts, as she broke Bencic’s serve five times to secure a swift victory. As she prepares to face Anisimova in the final, Swiatek acknowledged the challenge ahead: “I don’t think I’ve played Amanda on the WTA Tour. She loves fast surfaces, so I’ll have to be ready for fast shots.”
The upcoming final will be a notable clash, as it will crown a new Wimbledon champion for the eighth consecutive year. Both Anisimova and Swiatek are eager to leave their mark on the tournament’s storied history.
As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s showdown, Anisimova reflects on her remarkable journey back to the top of the sport after taking a mental health break in 2023. “It’s been such a privilege to compete here and to be in the final is just indescribable,” she stated, highlighting the significance of her achievement.
