Aryna Sabalenka faced a surprising defeat on July 10, 2025, at the Wimbledon Championships, where she was upset by Amanda Anisimova in a tightly contested semifinal match. The top seed lost to the 13th seed in three sets, with a final score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. This victory marked Anisimova’s first appearance in a Grand Slam final and was significant as she became the first American woman to reach the Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2019.
During the match, an incident in the second set sparked a notable reaction from Sabalenka. Anisimova celebrated a point before the ball had fully crossed the net, which did not sit well with the Belarusian player. In her post-match comments, Sabalenka expressed her frustration, saying, “She kind of p—ed me off, like, saying, ‘That’s what she does all the time.’ I was just trying to chase the ball. She was already celebrating it. I was like ‘I mean, that’s a bit too early.’”
Emotions Run High on the Court
Sabalenka credited Anisimova’s premature celebration with reigniting her competitive spirit, stating, “I was grateful and thankful that she [did] that because … it actually helped me to keep fighting.” Despite her initial anger, Sabalenka managed to push through and even staged a comeback in the match. However, she noted that she should have remembered this motivation during the third set.
As the match progressed, tensions escalated again when Anisimova took a 5-2 lead in the final set. A forehand shot from Anisimova hit the net and bounced twice on Sabalenka’s side, a situation in which players typically apologize. Anisimova did not offer any such gesture, prompting Sabalenka to question her lack of apology. Sports commentators noted the unusual nature of this exchange, with play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler remarking, “I don’t know if that’s anything more than gamesmanship right there.” Analyst Chris Evert added, “She’s not a happy camper right now.”
Historical Significance of the Match
Ahead of this match, Sabalenka had only dropped one set throughout the tournament, showcasing her dominance leading up to the semifinals. Anisimova’s victory not only highlighted her growing prowess in the sport but also improved her career record against Sabalenka to 6-3. This win has significant implications for both players, positioning Anisimova as a formidable contender for the championship title.
The atmosphere at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was electric as fans witnessed this extraordinary matchup. Anisimova’s journey to the final represents a potential new chapter in American women’s tennis, as no American player has claimed the Wimbledon title since Williams won in 2017.
With the final set to unfold, the tennis world eagerly awaits to see if Anisimova can capitalize on her momentum and secure a Grand Slam title. This match certainly added an exciting chapter to her career and left a lasting impression on the tournament.