Amanda Anisimova 2025
In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Amanda Anisimova has emerged as one of the standout stars of Wimbledon 2025, securing her place in her first-ever Grand Slam final. The 23-year-old American, ranked No. 12 in the world, defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling semifinal match, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and mental fortitude. This article delves into Anisimova’s journey, her pivotal Sabalenka vs. Anisimova match, her career trajectory, and the significance of her achievement at Wimbledon tennis in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Amanda Anisimova, born on August 31, 2001, in Freehold, New Jersey, is 23 years old as of Wimbledon 2025. How old is Amanda Anisimova? is a question often asked as her youthful energy and maturity on the court belie her age. Raised in a family of Russian descent, Anisimova began playing tennis at a young age, coached by her father, Konstantin Anisimov, who played a significant role in her early development. Her prodigious talent was evident early on, as she won the 2017 US Open girls’ title as a junior, marking her as a future star.
Anisimova’s career has been a blend of meteoric rises and personal challenges. At just 17, she reached the semifinals of the 2019 French Open, defeating defending champion Simona Halep and a young Aryna Sabalenka along the way. However, the sudden death of her father in 2019 and struggles with mental health led to a break from the sport in 2023. Her return in 2024, culminating in her Wimbledon 2025 performance, is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Amanda Anisimova’s Path to the Wimbledon 2025 Semifinals
Wimbledon 2025 has been a breakthrough tournament for Anisimova, marking her return to the main draw after a three-year absence. Her journey to the semifinals was marked by impressive victories, including a hard-fought 6-1, 7-6(9) win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarterfinals. This victory propelled her into the top 10 of the WTA rankings for the first time, with the potential to rise to No. 7 or even No. 5 if she clinches the title.
Anisimova’s grass-court prowess was evident throughout the tournament. She won 11 matches on grass in 2025, more than any other player on the Hologic WTA Tour, showcasing her adaptability to the fast surface. Her powerful, flat groundstrokes and exceptional backhand have made her a formidable opponent, particularly on grass, where her aggressive style thrives.
Sabalenka vs. Anisimova: A Thrilling Semifinal Showdown
The Anisimova vs. Sabalenka semifinal on July 10, 2025, was a highlight of Wimbledon today, captivating fans on Centre Court with its intensity and drama. The match, which lasted two hours and 36 minutes, ended with Anisimova defeating the top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, securing her spot in her maiden Grand Slam final.
Match Breakdown
- First Set: Anisimova took the first set 6-4 in 56 minutes, capitalizing on a crucial double fault from Sabalenka in a game featuring six deuces. Her big serve and precise backhand returns kept Sabalenka under pressure, neutralizing the Belarusian’s aggressive baseline game.
- Second Set: Sabalenka fought back, breaking Anisimova at 3-3 with the help of another double fault from the American. Despite Anisimova saving four set points, Sabalenka’s powerful serves and decisive winners leveled the match at 6-4.
- Third Set: The deciding set was a rollercoaster. Sabalenka broke early to lead 1-0, but Anisimova responded with a break of her own and surged to a 4-1 lead. Sabalenka clawed back to 5-4, saving a match point, but Anisimova held her nerve. On her fourth match point, she sealed the victory with a stunning cross-court forehand winner, collapsing in disbelief and celebration.
The match was marked by intense power hitting, with both players unleashing territorial shrieks that echoed across Centre Court. Anisimova’s ability to match Sabalenka’s ball speed, particularly with her double-handed backhand—described as one of the finest in the game—proved decisive. She saved 11 of 14 break points and converted critical opportunities, including a double fault from Sabalenka in the final set.
Head-to-Head History
The Sabalenka vs. Anisimova rivalry is one of the most compelling in women’s tennis. Anisimova now leads their head-to-head 6-3, having won five of their first eight encounters. Their rivalry began at the 2019 Australian Open, where a 17-year-old Anisimova dominated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2. While Sabalenka won three of their last four meetings, including a 7-5, 6-3 victory at Roland Garros in June 2024, Anisimova’s grass-court form and mental toughness gave her the edge at Wimbledon 2025.
Sabalenka, the World No. 1 and a three-time Grand Slam champion, was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Anisimova’s bravery and aggressive play. “She was the better player today,” Sabalenka said, reflecting on her third semifinal exit at Wimbledon, following losses in 2021 and 2023.
Anisimova’s Mental and Physical Resilience
Anisimova’s journey to the Wimbledon 2025 final is particularly poignant given her personal struggles. After her father’s death in 2019, she withdrew from the US Open, and in May 2023, she announced an indefinite break from tennis, citing burnout and mental health challenges. “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022,” she said at the time. Her seven-month hiatus allowed her to focus on her well-being, and her return in 2024 was marked by a run to the final at Queen’s and consistent performances on grass.
Anisimova credits her physiotherapist for her physical resurgence and her rediscovered love for the game. Her emotional reaction after defeating Sabalenka—collapsing to her knees on the grass and wiping away tears—reflected the magnitude of her achievement. “This doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I was absolutely dying out there. To come out on top today and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special.”
Wimbledon 2025: The Road Ahead
Anisimova’s victory sets up a historic final against Iga Swiatek, the No. 8 seed and five-time Grand Slam champion, on July 12, 2025. Swiatek, who cruised past Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 in the other semifinal, is a formidable opponent, having won all five of her previous Grand Slam finals. However, this will be the first professional meeting between Anisimova and Swiatek, though they faced each other in juniors. Anisimova’s flat, fast game could pose a challenge on grass, a surface where Swiatek has historically struggled.
The Wimbledon schedule today (July 10, 2025) featured the women’s semifinals, with Anisimova vs. Sabalenka kicking off the action on Centre Court at 8:30 a.m. ET, followed by Bencic vs. Swiatek. Fans watching Wimbledon live on ESPN, ESPN+, or Fubo were treated to a day of high-stakes tennis, with Anisimova’s upset stealing the headlines.
Significance of Anisimova’s Achievement
Anisimova’s run to the Wimbledon 2025 final marks several milestones:
- She is the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2019 and the youngest since Williams in 2004 at age 22.
- She is the fourth player since 1990 to defeat the World No. 1 en route to a maiden Grand Slam final.
- Her victory ensures a first-time Wimbledon champion, as neither she nor Swiatek has lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Her performance has also solidified her status as a top-10 player, with a projected ranking of No. 8 on July 14, 2025, and the potential to climb higher with a title win.
Watching Wimbledon 2025
For fans eager to follow the Wimbledon schedule and catch Wimbledon live, the tournament is broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and Tennis Channel in the U.S., with streaming available on ESPN+ and Fubo. In the UK, BBC iPlayer offers free coverage, while 9Now provides free streaming in Australia. The women’s final on July 12, 2025, is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET, promising a thrilling conclusion to the women’s tournament.
Amanda Anisimova’s journey to the Wimbledon 2025 final is a story of talent, perseverance, and redemption. At Amanda Anisimova’s age of 23, she has overcome personal and professional challenges to reach the pinnacle of tennis, defeating the formidable Aryna Sabalenka in a match that showcased her power and poise. As she prepares to face Iga Swiatek in the final, Anisimova stands on the cusp of history, poised to etch her name into Wimbledon tennis lore. Her bold forehand winner to close out the semifinal encapsulates her fearless approach, and fans worldwide will be watching to see if she can claim her first Grand Slam title.
