Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Reaches Wimbledon Quarterfinals After Nine-Year Gap

In a remarkable display of resilience, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova secured her place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the second time in her career, defeating local favorite Sonay Kartal with a score of 7-6(3), 6-4 on July 6, 2025. This achievement marks her return to the last eight at the All England Club for the first time since 2016, when she was eliminated by Serena Williams. Pavlyuchenkova's nine-year hiatus between quarterfinal appearances ties her for the second longest in the Open Era, a feat previously matched by Svetlana Kuznetsova, who had a ten-year gap between her quarterfinals in 2007 and 2017.

The match was not without its challenges, including a malfunction of the Hawk-Eye line-calling technology, which led to controversy during a crucial point in the opening set. As Pavlyuchenkova served at 4-4, a shot from Kartal was initially ruled in despite appearing to be out. After a review that could not confirm the call due to technical difficulties, the umpire, Nico Helwerth, ordered the point to be replayed, much to Pavlyuchenkova’s frustration. “You took the game away from me. They stole the game from me,” she expressed during a changeover, highlighting the emotional stakes of the match.

Despite this setback, Pavlyuchenkova showcased her mental fortitude by saving a set point when Kartal served at 5-4 and winning 15 of the last 23 points to clinch the first set. “My mental toughness is getting better,” she reflected post-match. “I used to be a little bit crazy in my head! But now I am learning to fight point by point.”

Pavlyuchenkova's journey back to the top echelons of women's tennis is significant as it reflects her perseverance and adaptability, especially at the age of 34. With a focus on competing against younger players, she expressed pride in her performance, stating, “I always thought I was not good enough on grass, so this is incredible for me.”

The successful return of Pavlyuchenkova adds a compelling narrative to this year’s Wimbledon, where several top-seeded players have faced unexpected exits. The tournament, known for its rich history and tradition, is currently witnessing a resurgence of veteran players challenging the dominance of emerging talents.

Looking ahead, Pavlyuchenkova's next challenge will be to face a formidable opponent in the quarterfinals, as she aims to continue her impressive run at Wimbledon. This year’s tournament has already set a record for the number of top-10 players eliminated before the quarterfinal stage, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport.

In conclusion, Pavlyuchenkova’s advancement in the tournament not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects broader trends in women's tennis where experience and mental resilience are increasingly pivotal. As she prepares for her next match, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if this veteran can continue her remarkable comeback.