Anisimova stuns world No 1 to reach Wimbledon final

US player beats Aryna Sabalenka in battle of the big hitters

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Amanda Anisimova pulled off a stunning victory over world No 1 and title favourite Aryna Sabalenka to reach the Wimbledon final just two years after walking away from the sport.

Amanda Anisimova won 6-4 4-6 6-4 and will play her first grand slam final since 2019 (AP) The 23-year-old American kept her cool on a baking Centre Court to win a dramatic contest 6-4 4-6 6-4 in two hours and 37 minutes and give her nephew a fourth birthday to remember.

Anisimova’s sister Maria and nephew Jaxon had flown over from the United States earlier in the week to watch her quarterfinal win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

It was the first tennis match Jaxon had been to, and the youngster might be invited to a few more after his auntie’s amazing win.

“This doesn’t feel real right now,” said Anisimova. “Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there.

“She’s an inspiration to me and so many other people. To come out on top and be in the final at Wimbledon is incredibly special.

“I have my beautiful family over there, my sister, nephew and brother-in-law. What a journey the last two weeks have been.”

Her win is all the more remarkable because Anisimova had to take an extended break from tennis in 2023 to prioritise her mental health.