Gritty Amanda Anisimova battles past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Wimbledon thriller to book semifinal showdown against Sabalenka
WTA
Amanda Anisimova achieved her goal against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova by 6-1, 7-6(9), returning to a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since the 2019 French Open. A year ago, the American fell in the third round of qualifying, but this time she secured her spot in the semifinals and is set to become World No. 8 – her career-high ranking.
The 23-year-old star capitalized on an erratic performance from Pavlyuchenkova, who never felt comfortable on serve, and whose unforced errors at crucial moments proved costly. Anisimova is now preparing to face Aryna Sabalenka in pursuit of her first Grand Slam final.
First Set
Anisimova quickly dictated the first set, securing an early break and then saving a break point against her to take a 2-0 lead. The day worsened for Pavlyuchenkova, who saw Anisimova save another break point for the second consecutive time, once again squandering an opportunity, as the 23-year-old went up 4-0.
Anisimova converted 2 out of 3 break points and saved both opportunities she faced. The American held onto her serve, and before the set concluded, she secured her third break to go up 6-1. Anisimova's 45% first-serve percentage mattered little, as she held her service games and particularly exploited her opponent's second serves, where Pavlyuchenkova failed to win a single point and committed 3 double faults.
Second Set
In the second set, the American appeared even more relentless on serve, winning over 70% of her service points. Pavlyuchenkova improved her serve and saved a couple of break points early in the set to keep it level at 2-2. However, the Russian never truly found her rhythm on serve, and Anisimova secured the break in the 6th game.
Anisimova built a 5-2 lead, which virtually put one foot in the semifinals. Pavlyuchenkova showed resistance in the final part of the set, holding her service game and creating three break opportunities at 3-5. When all seemed lost, the Russian, a former French Open runner-up, capitalized on the pressure on her opponent, and without doing too much, managed to get the break as her opponent made errors.
Read also
Pavlyuchenkova was serving to stay in the match and saved a couple of match points before leveling at 5-5. The American went up on her serve, and a little later Pavlyuchenkova was serving at 5-6, 0-30. However, the Russian managed to send it to a tie-break amidst errors from Anisimova, who seemed anxious to close out the victory.
The American went up 6-5 on her serve, and Pavlyuchenkova was serving at 5-6, 0-30. However, she managed to send it to a tie-break amidst errors from Anisimova, who seemed anxious to close out the victory. It was a crazy finish to the match, in which Pavlyuchenkova had five set points – three of them on her own serve – but Anisimova showed resilience to close out the 6-1, 7-6(9) victory.
In the semifinals, she will face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, whom she played in the Roland Garros Round of 16 just a month ago. The American leads their head-to-head 5-3, though they have no previous encounters on grass courts.
Match Statistics Anisimova vs. Pavlyuchenkova
| Anisimova | VS | Pavlyuchenkova |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 6 | Aces | 0 |
| 6 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 54% (36/67) | 1st Service Percentage | 73% (56/77) |
| 64% (23/36) | 1st Service Points Won | 55% (31/56) |
| 58% (19/33) | 2nd Service Points Won | 38% (8/21) |
| 80% (4/5) | Break Points Saved | 60% (6/10) |
| 89% (8/9) | Service Games | 60% (6/10) |
| Return | ||
| 45% (25/56) | 1st Return Points Won | 36% (13/36) |
| 62% (13/21) | 2nd Return Points Won | 42% (14/33) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 36m | Match Duration | 1h 36m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
