Amanda Anisimova has done what few expected. The 23-year-old American tennis player defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic semifinal at Wimbledon, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final.
This victory marks a huge moment in Anisimova’s career and in American tennis history. She is now the youngest American woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final since Serena Williams in 2004. Even more impressively, she is the first player born in the 21st century to reach a Wimbledon final.
Anisimova, born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, showed nerves of steel on Centre Court. After the match, she said, “It doesn’t feel real right now.” She shared how meaningful it was to have her sister Maria, brother-in-law, and young nephew Jaxon — who turned four that day — watching her from the stands.
In an emotional Instagram post after the match, Anisimova wrote: “The most special part of it all 🥹 getting to experience this with my nephew and some of my family here, ahhhh I could cry!! Xxx”
Amanda’s journey to this moment has not been easy. In 2019, at just 17, she made headlines by reaching the French Open semifinals after beating defending champion Simona Halep. But in 2022, after struggling with mental health and burnout, she decided to take a break from tennis.
“It became unbearable being at tennis tournaments,” she shared in a post back then. She stepped away from the sport from May 2023 to January 2024, choosing to focus on her mental well-being.
After returning, Anisimova slowly found her rhythm again. She was a finalist at the Queen’s Club and won the Doha title earlier this year. Now, with her win over Sabalenka, she will enter the WTA Top 10 for the first time on July 14.
Her next and biggest test comes on July 12, when she faces Polish star Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. If she wins, Anisimova will become the first American woman to win Wimbledon since her idol Serena Williams lifted the trophy in 2016.
Anisimova’s parents, Olga and Konstantin, immigrated from Russia to the U.S. in 1998. Her older sister Maria once played college tennis at the University of Pennsylvania and has been one of Amanda’s biggest supporters.
Amanda’s story is not just about talent but also about strength, resilience, and family support. From taking time off to protect her mental health to now playing on the biggest stage in tennis, Anisimova is showing the world what it means never to give up.
As she prepares for the biggest match of her life, all eyes will be on Wimbledon’s Centre Court. Win or lose, Amanda Anisimova has already inspired millions.
