1 of 5 | American Amanda Anisimova celebrates after beating Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in a Wimbledon 2025 women's singles semifinal Thursday in London. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
July 10 (UPI) -- 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 former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland 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."
