Anisimova defeats Pavlyuchenkova to reach a first Wimbledon semi-final
The American came through 6-1, 7-6 (9) to reach the semi-finals at SW19. She will face world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the last four
Amanda Anisimova, Wimbledon 2025 © Action Plus / Psnewz
Amanda Anisimova put on a fine display of shot-making ability to oust the experienced Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6 (9) and move into a career-first Wimbledon semi-final.
The big-hitting American returns to the last four of a Grand Slam tournament a little over six years after appearing in her first, when she lost to Ashleigh Barty in three competitive sets at Roland-Garros 2019.
The current world No 12 has long held such promise, with that breakthrough run in Paris coming when she was just 17 years of age.
But injuries and mental health issues have derailed much of Anisimova’s progress over the intervening six years, with burnout and mental exhaustion leading to a hiatus from the sport in 2023.
After posting encouraging results on her return to the WTA Tour last season, this year has seen the American build on that promise, most notably in clinching the 1000-level Qatar Open back in February.
Anisimova’s flat, heavy hitting is tailor-made for the grass, however, and that has been evident in runs to the final at WTA Queen’s last month and now this superb run to the last four at SW19.
fast start for anisimova builds platform for impressive victory
Three breaks of serve without reply saw the American canter to a dominant first-set victory over Pavlyuchenkova.
The experienced Russian steadied the ship in the second, but another break for Anisimova saw her serve for the match at 5-3.
Pavlyuchenkova broke back at the death before saving a match point on her serve to force a tiebreak.
But she could not convert any of the five set points she generated in that breaker as Anisimova narrowly avoided the need for a decider before clinching victory with her second match point.
“It was such a battle today. I was up in the second set and she started playing some unreal tennis. I just kept fighting and that tiebreak was super stressful, but I’m just so happy I got it done. I’m happy to be in the semi final for the first time, it’s super special,” the American told the Court One crowd following the win.
“It has been an extraordinary year for me with so many highs. I am enjoying every step of the way and even in times like today, I keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment. It is not often you get to play on this special court in front of so many people. Thank you for the atmosphere, it was incredible.”
Next up for Anisimova is a semi-final meeting on Thursday with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, in what should be a gripping, power-heavy encounter.
An apposite match-up for a place in the final of Wimbledon.
