Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinals, a matchup eagerly anticipated by tennis enthusiasts. However, the journey to this stage was fraught with unexpected challenges for both players on day nine of the Championships.
Sabalenka, the world number one and a strong contender for the title, faced a near exit against 37-year-old Laura Siegemund. Ranked 104th, Siegemund pushed Sabalenka to the brink, leading 4-3 with a break in the third set after winning the first. Meanwhile, Anisimova nearly squandered a commanding lead against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, eventually clinching victory at 6-1, 7-6 (11-9) after saving five set points.
Sabalenka’s Resilience Tested
Reflecting on her narrow escape, Sabalenka attributed her survival to a crucial lesson learned from her French Open final loss to Coco Gauff. In that match, Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors cost her the title despite winning the first set. She realized the importance of emotional control on court.
“I think there’s a big possibility that I would have lost this match if I didn’t learn that lesson at the French Open,” Sabalenka stated after her 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory, which lasted just shy of three hours.
Sabalenka’s struggle was evident in the first set as she grappled with Siegemund’s unconventional playstyle. Her body language betrayed her frustration, but she managed to rally by reminding herself of the stakes.
“In some moments I just … kept reminding myself, ‘Come on, it’s the quarterfinal of Wimbledon, you cannot give up, you cannot let the emotions just take over you and lose another match’.
Anisimova’s Emotional Battle
Similarly, Anisimova faced her own emotional hurdles. Despite leading comfortably, the 23-year-old American found herself on the defensive as Pavlyuchenkova mounted a comeback, saving two match points with a gutsy drop shot.
Anisimova, who did not qualify for Wimbledon last year, has had a rollercoaster career. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she reached the French Open semifinal at just 17. After taking a break in 2023 due to mental health struggles, she returned with renewed vigor.
“It’s been an extraordinary year for me,” Anisimova reflected. “Even times like today, when you’re not sure you’re going to cross the finish line, I keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment.”
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
The upcoming clash between Sabalenka and Anisimova is set to be a thrilling encounter. The pair last met at Roland-Garros, with Sabalenka emerging victorious 7-5, 6-3. However, she acknowledged the challenge Anisimova poses on grass.
“I definitely think this surface suits her game really well. That’s why she’s playing so well so far,” Sabalenka commented.
Meanwhile, the remaining women’s quarterfinals will feature seventh seed Mirra Andreeva against Belinda Bencic and eighth seed Iga Świątek versus 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova, promising more exciting matchups as the tournament progresses.
The announcement of the semifinals comes as the Championships continue to deliver unexpected twists and showcase the resilience and skill of the world’s top tennis players. As Sabalenka and Anisimova prepare to face off, fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying match.
