In a gripping semi-final encounter at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Aryna Sabalenka faced off against Amanda Anisimova, with both players vying for their first Grand Slam final appearance. Ultimately, it was Anisimova who triumphed, securing a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
This match showcased the intense emotions that both athletes bring to the court, a theme that resonated throughout their battle. Following the match, Sabalenka, making her third appearance in a Wimbledon semi-final, was candid about her feelings regarding some of her opponent’s on-court conduct. She noted several moments that fueled her competitive spirit, including a particular instance where Anisimova celebrated winning a point prematurely.
“I was just trying to chase the ball. She was already celebrating it. I was like, ‘That’s a bit too early,'” Sabalenka reflected during her post-match press conference. While she was frustrated by Anisimova’s early celebration, she ultimately channeled that anger into motivation to keep pushing forward in the match.
Sabalenka also recounted another noteworthy moment where Anisimova benefitted from a fortunate net bounce. Rather than expressing regret, Anisimova celebrated, further irritating Sabalenka. “I just looked at her, and for sure she didn’t hear me. I was just like, ‘You don’t want to say sorry?'” Sabalenka stated, emphasizing that she felt the gesture would have been appropriate given the nature of the point. “But she just wanted to win this match badly, and it’s on her,” she remarked.
The competitive tension did not overshadow the respect both players held for one another, as evidenced by their cordial exchange at the net post-match. They shared a warm hug, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship that often emerges despite on-court rivalries.
As the dust settles on this semi-final, Sabalenka will take a break to refocus before the latter part of the season. Having already secured a spot in the WTA Finals, she is poised to be a formidable contender as she heads into the US Open, with her next scheduled tournament being the Canadian Open in Montreal.
Anisimova, meanwhile, will need to recuperate as she prepares to face the formidable Iga Swiatek in the final. Swiatek breezed through her own semi-final match against Belinda Bencic, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying championship duel at Wimbledon.
