Amanda Anisimova stuns Wimbledon favorite Aryna Sabalenka

Amanda Anisimova: From Grief to Glory at Wimbledon

The Wimbledon Centre Court witnessed a stunning upset on Thursday as Amanda Anisimova, a former teenage prodigy, defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match (6-4, 4-6, 6-4). This victory marks Anisimova’s first-ever Grand Slam final appearance and establishes her as the first American Wimbledon finalist since Serena Williams in 2019. The match was a captivating display of power, punctuated by moments of inconsistency from both players, ultimately decided by Anisimova’s unwavering composure in crucial moments.

A Battle of Wills on Centre Court

Anisimova’s Resilience Shines

Facing the relentless pressure of Sabalenka, Anisimova demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude. She recognized the escalating threat posed by her opponent, acknowledging that victory wouldn’t be achieved through Sabalenka’s errors alone. Instead, Anisimova proactively seized her opportunities, showcasing a calculated aggression that ultimately proved decisive. Her ability to maintain focus and execute under immense pressure was the key to her triumph.

Sabalenka’s Grand Slam Struggle Continues

For Sabalenka, this loss continues a frustrating trend of close calls in Grand Slam finals. Despite a remarkable record of reaching at least the semi-final stage in 11 of her last 12 major tournaments, her performance in decisive sets remains a point of concern. Her 3-9 record in deciding sets of Grand Slam semifinals and finals highlights a recurring vulnerability at the highest level of competition. This Wimbledon defeat follows losses to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff at the French Open, both American players.

Emotional Control and the Weight of Expectation

While Sabalenka’s previous Grand Slam losses were marked by emotional outbursts, this time she demonstrated improved composure. Though admitting to feeling frustrated at moments, she consciously suppressed the urge to let her emotions derail her performance. This self-awareness showcases her growth and determination to overcome this persistent hurdle in her Grand Slam journey. In contrast to her fiery displays in the past, she extended grace and respect to Anisimova after the match, acknowledging her opponent’s superior performance.

Anisimova’s Remarkable Comeback

Overcoming Adversity

Anisimova’s journey to Wimbledon’s final is a testament to her resilience. Following the tragic loss of her father and coach in 2019, she faced significant challenges, including a period of ranking decline and struggles with injuries and burnout. After taking a break from tennis in early 2023 to reassess her priorities and pursue personal interests, she strategically rebuilt her career, focusing on physical health and mental well-being.

The Role of Shadi Soleymani

The hiring of physiotherapist Shadi Soleymani proved pivotal in Anisimova’s resurgence. Soleymani addressed recurring back and hip injuries, improving her strength and flexibility, and facilitating a return to consistent training. This holistic approach, encompassing nutrition and sleep management, contributed significantly to Anisimova’s improved fitness and confidence, allowing her to compete at a consistently high level throughout this Wimbledon tournament.

The Road to the Final and Beyond

Anisimova’s Wimbledon run involved navigating three-set battles against challenging opponents, including victories over Linda Noskova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and to adapt her game strategically was evident throughout the tournament, culminating in her exceptional final-set performance against Sabalenka. Now, she faces Iga Swiatek in the final, a formidable opponent with her own considerable experience in Grand Slam finals. Anisimova approaches the challenge with a focus on enjoying the moment and maintaining her present-minded approach, a strategy that has served her well throughout this incredible run.