Anisimova upsets No.1 Sabalenka

The 13th seed is the first American to make the Big W final since Serena in 2019

- Shahid Judge

Early in the tournament, it was established that the women’s draw at Wimbledon was anybody's game. The seeds kept tumbling, and by Sunday, it was clear that there would be a new champion at the All England Club.

One more big upset was in store on Thursday. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, in her third straight Wimbledon semifinal, was widely expected to break the shackles of being only a hard-court Grand Slam champion. But for the gritty display put up by 13th seed Amanda Anisimova.

Against a player known for her hard-hitting style, Anisimova redirected a cross-court forehand deep towards Sabalenka’s right that the world No.1 had no chance getting to. And just like that, Amisimova scored the upset of the tournament in a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win to become the first American since the great Serena Williams to reach the Wimbledon final in 2019.

A few hours later, Iga Swiatek thumped a backhand down the line return winner to win the second semifinal with a statement 6-2, 6-0 win over Belinda Bencic.

By most accounts this is an unexpected lineup for the final. Especially Anisimova, who has had an incredible run to make it to her first Grand Slam final. Her triumph appears surprising only because it is still early in her return to the tour after a seven-month hiatus.