Aryna Sabalenka Overcomes Siegemund to Advance to Wimbledon Semifinals

In a thrilling quarter-final match at Wimbledon 2025, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 seed, showcased her resilience by overcoming a challenging first set to defeat Germany's Laura Siegemund with scores of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. This victory secures Sabalenka a spot in the semi-finals, where she will face the 13th seed, Amanda Anisimova.

The match, held on Centre Court, presented a rare display of vulnerability for Sabalenka, who entered the contest boasting an impressive record of not having dropped a set in the tournament. However, she faced a formidable opponent in Siegemund, who employed a strategic game plan that included deft drop shots and precise court coverage.

"After the first set, I was looking at my box like: ‘Guys, book the tickets. We’re about to leave,’" Sabalenka expressed candidly following the match. Her admission reflected the pressure she felt during the early stages, marked by a series of uncharacteristic unforced errors.

The first set saw Siegemund take an early lead, capitalizing on Sabalenka's struggles with her serve, including an early double fault. Siegemund's skillful play allowed her to break Sabalenka's serve twice, ultimately winning the set 6-4. Despite the rocky start, Sabalenka regrouped in the second set, breaking Siegemund's serve multiple times to level the match.

The decisive third set was marked by tense exchanges, with Sabalenka exhibiting both frustration and determination. She initially fell behind but managed to turn the tide by breaking Siegemund's serve twice, eventually securing her victory. Sabalenka remarked on the mental hurdles she overcame during the match, noting, "I’m really proud that I handled myself well and didn’t repeat the same mistake I did at the French Open."

Sabalenka's upcoming semi-final against Anisimova promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Anisimova, who defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets, is poised for a strong showing, having previously faced Sabalenka in tightly contested matches. "Every match we’ve played has been tough. We’re both big hitters and big hitters like to go at it against each other," Anisimova stated.

As the tournament progresses, Sabalenka’s journey reflects not only her formidable talent but also her capacity to navigate the psychological pressures of elite competition. With her sights set on the final, she remains a formidable contender in the quest for the Wimbledon title.