Anisimova Overcomes Pavlyuchenkova To Secure First Wimbledon Semi-Final

Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 23:33 IST

Amanda Anisimova, who struggled with depression, reached her first Wimbledon semi-final by defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon (AP)

Amanda Anisimova from the United States secured her first Wimbledon semi-final berth on Tuesday with a 6-1, 7-6 (11/9) victory against Russia’s world number 50 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Seeded 13th, Anisimova saved five set points in a thrilling second set on Court One before clinching the match on her fourth attempt.

This victory marked a significant achievement for the 23-year-old, who was previously recognised as a teenage sensation following her 2019 French Open semi-final appearance.

“It was such a battle there. She started to play some unreal tennis. That tie-break was super-stressful. I’m super-excited to be in the semi-finals for the first time. It’s special," said Anisimova, who will play world number one Aryna Sabalenka next.

Who Is Amanda Anisimova?

Anisimova has struggled to fulfil the expectations that came with her Roland Garros performance at just 17 years old.

She reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2022, but took an eight-month hiatus from tennis the following year due to depression caused by the scrutiny and pressures associated with being a teenage prodigy.

“I was just struggling with the lifestyle and just dealing with a lot of stress from it, and it was affecting me a lot on the court," she said in May.

“I felt like it was just unfair for me to keep pushing and pushing as if I’m not a human being.

“I think that I refreshed my mind and I took the time that I needed."

After her return last year, Anisimova dropped outside the top 400.

However, she won the Qatar Open in February and demonstrated her prowess on grass by reaching the Queen’s Club final in June.

Now, she is one win away from reaching the Wimbledon final.

Standing in her way is Sabalenka, who defeated Anisimova in straight sets at Roland Garros last month.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for me. So many highs. It’s been such a ride," she said.

“Even times like today when you are not sure you are going to cross the finish line, I just keep reminding myself that it’s special to play on this beautiful court."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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