Amanda Anisimova Advances to Wimbledon Semifinals After Tough Victory

Amanda Anisimova, the 13th seed, has made a significant mark at Wimbledon by defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarterfinals, securing her place in the semifinals for the second time in her career. The match, held on July 8, 2025, showcased Anisimova's resilience and skill, particularly in a tense second set where she saved four set points before clinching victory with a score of 6-1, 7-6 (9).

This achievement comes as a remarkable turnaround for Anisimova, who faced considerable challenges in her career over the past few years. After a promising start as a teenager, including a run to the semifinals at the 2019 French Open, Anisimova encountered a series of setbacks in 2021, leading to a significant drop in her ranking and a seven-month hiatus to focus on her mental health. As noted by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Sports Psychology at Stanford University, “Taking a break from competitive pressure can be critical for athletes, especially when mental health is at stake.”

Anisimova's return to the tour at the start of the 2024 season saw her ranked 442nd in the world. However, her commitment to rebuilding her confidence and skills has paid off, as she is now poised to enter the Top 10 following her Wimbledon performance.

The quarterfinal match against Pavlyuchenkova displayed Anisimova's offensive prowess, with 26 winners compared to Pavlyuchenkova’s 9. Her early dominance in the first set was evident as she quickly broke Pavlyuchenkova’s serve and established a commanding lead. However, the second set proved to be a test of character; after leading 5-3, Anisimova faced a strong comeback from the 34-year-old Russian veteran. Pavlyuchenkova managed to save two match points and force a tiebreak, but Anisimova's determination saw her through as she ultimately converted her second match point to secure the win.

In the semifinals, Anisimova will face Aryna Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, who recently overcame Laura Siegemund in her quarterfinal match. The two players have met eight times previously, with Anisimova winning five of those encounters. “Facing the top players is always a challenge, but I’m ready for it,” Anisimova stated in her post-match interview, highlighting her confidence as she approaches this pivotal match.

The implications of Anisimova's journey extend beyond her individual success. Her story resonates with many young athletes, particularly women in sports, who face immense pressure to perform. As noted by Laura Thompson, Director of the Women's Sports Foundation, “Amanda's journey is a testament to the importance of mental health awareness in sports. It shows that taking time to heal can lead to greater success.”

With her sights set on further glory at Wimbledon, Amanda Anisimova exemplifies the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of excellence, making her a formidable contender in the tournament's latter stages.