The grass courts of Wimbledon witnessed a seismic shift on Day 11 of the tournament as Amanda Anisimova, the rising American star, shattered the dreams of world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka with a stellar performance that secured her place in the final of the prestigious championship. The semi-finals on Thursday proved to be a compelling showcase of athletic prowess and dramatic twists, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the women’s draw.
In a match at Centre Court that had its share of unusual interruptions—two fans fainting in the stands during play—Anisimova maintained her focus to deliver a masterclass against Sabalenka, who has struggled to find her top form throughout the tournament. A combination of fierce baseline exchanges and clever shot selection propelled Anisimova to a well-deserved victory, marking her first-ever appearance in a Grand Slam final. With this victory, she continues her dream fortnight at Wimbledon, having already exhibited her undeniable talent with a runner-up finish at Queen’s.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek also turned heads as she sailed through her semi-final against Belinda Bencic, finishing off the Swiss player with a resounding 6-0 victory in the second set. Swiatek’s performance demonstrated her evolution as a player on grass, an area previously seen as a challenge for the clay court specialist. This match lasted a mere one hour and 12 minutes, underscoring Swiatek’s dominance and readiness as she prepares to contest her first Wimbledon final, armed with the experience of being a five-time major winner.
The anticipation now shifts to the men’s semi-finals slated for Friday, where Novak Djokovic’s participation hangs in the balance due to an injury concern following the cancellation of his practice session. Fans hold their breath in anticipation as he is set to clash with rising star Jannik Sinner. Additionally, Carlos Alcaraz is on the hunt for his third consecutive Wimbledon final, looking to extend his legacy as he takes on Taylor Fritz in another thrilling encounter.