Maiden Grand Slam Final: Amanda Anisimova upsets Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon

Amanda Anisimova secured an epic victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinals, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The American advances to her first-ever Grand Slam final, marking her first victory over a World No. 1 ranked player.

Sabalenka showed a fighting spirit to counter her opponent's high level, but once again leaves a Grand Slam empty-handed. The 27-year-old had reached the last three consecutive Grand Slam finals and five in her last six appearances.

The set began without major complications for either player, with both holding their early service games with relative ease. There were no break points until Anisimova served at 3-2, where she had two break points, but the Belarusian saved them with a couple of good first serves. There was a brief halt in play at 40-40 due to a spectator in the crowd experiencing health issues, and Sabalenka quickly approached to offer a bottle of water. Once the person was removed from the stands, play resumed, and Sabalenka extended her run to 7 consecutive points. She went from facing two break points (15-40) to earning three break points in the next game, but she also failed to convert them.

The tension remained until 5-4 in favor of the American, when the longest game of the match was played – a total of 18 points contested and up to 6 deuces. A double fault ultimately gave the set to Anisimova at 6-4. The American was particularly effective with an 82% first-serve points won percentage compared to Sabalenka's 65%.

At the start of the second set, both players again showed strength on their serve, winning their service games without too many complications. This time, the American committed more unforced errors but managed to maintain parity. It took her barely 75 seconds to go up 3-2, while Sabalenka appeared frustrated by how the match was unfolding.

However, the Belarusian's reaction came. She seized the momentum of the match and secured the crucial break on her first chance. The Belarusian won three consecutive games to comfortably lead 5-3 – and then had up to 4 set points on return, although Anisimova ultimately held on to stay alive. It did little good, as in the next game, Sabalenka held her serve and took the set 6-4, appearing superior to her opponent – especially mentally – during the final part of the set.

Nerves became evident as both players dropped their opening service games. After Sabalenka had secured the first break, she crumbled under her opponent's consistency, and Anisimova seized the momentum after winning a tight break. From 0-1, she surged to a 4-1 lead as Sabalenka looked increasingly desperate.

The World No. 12 even had an opportunity to secure another break at 4-1, but Sabalenka managed to hold her serve. Anisimova had to deal with the pressure of closing out the win, and Sabalenka read the momentum to break back, making it 4-5 with serve to level. However, she couldn't hold her serve in the end, and Anisimova secured the break that gave her – perhaps – the most important victory of her career: 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and advancing to a Grand Slam final for the first time. The American guarantees her career-high ranking as World No. 7 – with the possibility of entering the top-5 if she wins the title. Her next rival? The winner between Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic.