New Delhi: Top seed Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out in a stunning upset in the Wimbledon 2025 women’s singles semifinal as Amanda Anisimova became the first American to reach the final at SW19 in six years. The 13th-seeded player, who recorded a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win, is just one game away from becoming the first American player to win the Wimbledon title since Serena Williams’ triumph in 2016.
By sealing a place in her maiden Grand Slam final, Anisimova, 23, became the youngest American to reach the final at the All England Club since Serena’s appearance in the 2004 final.
One step closer to glory ✨#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/pWkVmCUE8j
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025
The match, played in sweltering conditions, was delayed twice in the first set because of Centre Court fans not feeling well, but both players fought hard for two hours and 2 hours and 37 minutes. Anisimova held her nerves despite Sabalenka’s late charge, which saw her save four match points.
Anisimova will play the winner of the other semifinal between No. 4 Iga Swiatek and No. 35 Belinda Bencic in the final.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka missed out on a spot in a third straight Grand Slam final and, remarkably, was knocked out by an American in a Grand Slam for a third straight time this year. The Belarusian lost to Coco Gauff in the French Open final and to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final.
The remarkable journey of Anisimova
Anisimova burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy tipped to achieve Grand Slam success.
She reached the 2019 French Open semi-finals as a 17-year-old, ousting defending champion Simona Halep en route to the last-four spot, and moved inside the world’s top 25.
But in 2023, she took a break due to mental health and burnout and didn’t touch her racket for months. The pause in her career led to her WTA ranking falling outside the top 400.
During the break, she took holidays, met friends and family, attended her university for a semester, and stayed away from tennis and rediscovered love for the game.
The landmark win will take Anisimova to at least a career-high No. 7 in the next WTA rankings. Meanwhile, Sabalenka, despite the stunning defeat, will retain the No. 1 spot for the 39th straight week.