Anisimova from the US gave an extraordinary performance to play her first Wimbledon final after defeating top-ranked player in the world Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in an exciting semifinal game on Centre Court. The 23-year-old American showed indomitable spirit and figures of brilliant shot-making to beat the top seed who lost to her in their last six meetings.
In a heated atmosphere, Sabalenka was seen twice handing water and ice to overheated fans, but it was Anisimova that kept her composure on the court. She took the first set after a Sabalenka double fault and though the Belarusian got the match at one set all, Anisimova was steadfast in the deciding one.
The players were both successful in their early service games but the American profited from a vital mistake of Sabalenka to seal the triumph.
This French Open semi-finalist re-ignited American dreams of a third women’s Grand Slam title this year after the wins of Madison Keys in Australia and Coco Gauff in Paris.
Anisimova, who became very emotional, credit the crowd and talked about her journey involving mental health and taking a break in 2023.
She will face either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic in the final on Saturday and try to win her first major title.
