(In Images) Aryna Sabalenka Demands Apology From Amanda Anisimova For a Net Cord Winner During Wimbledon Semifinals

Amanda Anisimova stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to reach her maiden Grand Slam final at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.

(In Images) Aryna Sabalenka Demands Apology From Amanda Anisimova For a Net Cord Winner During Wimbledon Semifinals

Aryna Sabalenka demanded an apology (images via Wimbledon)

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Aryna Sabalenka had been pushed to the edge throughout the Wimbledon Championships since her third-round clash with Emma Raducanu. Despite her numerous errors and occasional outbursts of frustration, she had managed to fight back and seal the victory, often coming from a break down or set down in all her matches up to the quarterfinal.

The World No. 1 was finally stunned in the semifinal by thirteenth seed Amanda Anisimova. A weird incident occurred in the third set when the Belarusian was trailing 2-4. Anisimova got lucky as her forehand clipped the net cord and dropped short on her opponent’s side.

Sabalenka rushed there but couldn’t return. While Anisimova raised her arms in relief as she won the point, Sabalenka expressed her unhappiness to the American for the supposedly unapologetic behavior:

Why didn’t you say sorry?

Although both players produced a high number of unforced errors, with Anisimova committing 42 compared to Sabalenka’s 37 and producing 5 double faults compared to Sabalenka’s 4, the American was better on her return and second serve. Anisimova secured the win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her maiden Grand Slam final.

Amanda Anisimova conquers the match with her calm composure

The first set of the Wimbledon semifinal was pretty tightly contested. However, at 4-4, Amanda Anisimova took her chances, and soon a double fault from Aryna Sabalenka cost the top seed the set. The first set also witnessed two brief pauses due to medical reasons: for seven minutes at 2-3 and for five minutes at 4-5.

Amanda Anisimova Wimbledon semifinal 2025
Amanda Anisimova (image via Roland Garros)

The 27-year-old regrouped in the second set, incorporating a good variety of shots and adding pressure on Anisimova. Akin to Sabalenka double faulting to give Anisimova the first set, the latter double faulted to provide Sabalenka a much-needed break in the next set. Leading 5-3, Sabalenka failed to convert four set points mostly due to her unforced errors, but soon clinched the set in the next game with a striking winner.

Anisimova was mostly dominant in the decider set, surging to a 4-1 lead. Though Sabalenka, with her fighting spirit, held serve at 2-5 to reach 4-5, she couldn’t overpower Anisimova. The three-time Grand Slam champion saved two match points, but Anisimova soon secured the victory with a forehand winner into the corner.

Amanda Anisimova’s inspiring comeback from a mental health break

Amanda Anisimova has now reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon this year, after making it to the Roland Garros semifinal in 2019. With the semifinal win, Anisimova becomes the first American in 6 years to make it to the finals at Wimbledon, a feat previously having been achieved by Serena Williams. She is also the youngest American woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final since Williams in 2004.⁩

Amanda Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova (Image via X/TNT Sports)

Anisimova, who defeated Yulia Putintseva, Renata Zarazua, Dalma Galfi, Linda Noskova, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova prior to the Wimbledon semifinal, has had a pretty inspiring run. In May 2023, she had announced on her Instagram account that she would be taking a break from the sport, citing burnout and mental health concerns.

She made her return to the WTA tour next year at the Auckland Open. She won her first title since returning at the Qatar Open in February this year. Anisimova has also had a very good run on the grass swing this year, reaching her maiden final on the surface at the Queen’s Club Championships.

Also Read: Amanda Anisimova Opens Up About Mental Health Break After Reaching Wimbledon Semifinals for 1st Time