Wimbledon, England – The grass courts of the All England Club recently bore witness to one of the most compelling narratives of resilience in modern tennis. Amanda Anisimova, the American seeded just thirteenth, achieved a career-defining milestone by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought semifinal, securing her place in a Grand Slam final for the first time.
This victory is far more than a simple upset; it is the punctuation mark on a remarkable comeback story. Only a year prior, Anisimova was detached from the Wimbledon spectacle, having faced a disappointing qualifying exit and, more significantly, navigating her return to professional tennis after an eight-month hiatus taken for mental health reasons. During that period away from the demanding tour, she engaged in activities deliberately separate from tennis – spending time with family, pursuing interests like painting, and even attending college classes. It was a necessary reset, prompted by feelings that the sport had become “unbearable.”
The path back to the sport`s pinnacle was neither immediate nor easy. Anisimova returned in early 2024, utilizing a protected ranking to enter events. While showing flashes of her previous form, progress was non-linear, featuring periods of inconsistency and adaptation. Yet, she steadily built momentum. Strong results on hard courts towards the end of 2024, including a run to a 1000-level final, signaled her renewed potential. This was further cemented by a significant title win in early 2025 and a grass court final appearance just weeks before Wimbledon.
Her run through the Wimbledon draw this year showcased a blend of dominant performances, like a swift double-bagel in the first round, and gritty battles requiring decisive sets and tiebreaks. This culminated in the highly anticipated semifinal clash against Sabalenka, a powerful opponent who many considered the favorite. Despite facing the top seed and challenging heat conditions, Anisimova demonstrated tactical acumen and sheer determination.
The semifinal match itself was a tense affair on Centre Court. After trading sets, Anisimova secured a crucial break in the decider. Sabalenka, a formidable competitor, pushed back, but Anisimova held firm, ultimately converting one of several match points after over two and a half hours of play. Sabalenka herself noted Anisimova`s proactive approach, stating she was “more brave” and “more aggressive” on the key points.
Anisimova`s achievement carries significant weight. She becomes the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final since 2019, continuing a recent positive trend for American players in Grand Slam finals. Beyond national pride, her success sends a powerful message: that stepping away to prioritize one`s well-being does not equate to an inability to return to the sport`s elite. This was a point doubted by many during her break, and her presence in the final serves as compelling evidence to the contrary.
Ahead lies the ultimate challenge: a final against Iga Swiatek, a multiple Grand Slam champion who has been particularly dominant on grass this fortnight. While acknowledging Swiatek`s formidable skill, Anisimova approaches the match with a perspective forged through her journey – ready for the battle, focused on enjoying the moment, and carrying the quiet satisfaction of having already proven so much.
Marcus Bellamy