A year after failing to qualify for Wimbledon, Amanda Anisimova completed a stunning turnaround on Tuesday, celebrating her first-ever semi-final appearance at the All England Club with a victory lap alongside her young nephew on Court One.
The American collapsed in relief after a dramatic 6-1, 7-6(9) win over Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who mounted a spirited comeback late in the second set. The emotional win sets up a high-stakes semi-final clash against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Once Anisimova picked herself off the grass, she joyfully lifted her three-year-old nephew, Jackson, for a celebratory lap a moment as heartwarming as it was historic. Jackson, attending his first match, frequently called out to his aunt during the contest, adding a personal and memorable touch to the occasion.
“It’s been an extraordinary year filled with highs,” said Anisimova, reflecting on her resurgence. “Even during tense moments like today, I remind myself to enjoy every second. Having my nephew here made it even more special he’s never seen me play before.”
The 13th seed seemed destined for a straightforward win, racing to a 6-1, 5-2 lead with a barrage of powerful backhands, forceful forehands, and quick movement that left Pavlyuchenkova reeling. But just when victory appeared within grasp, the 34-year-old Russian found her rhythm, winning three straight games and saving two match points in the 10th game including with a surprise drop shot that stunned the American.
As Pavlyuchenkova pushed the second set into a tiebreak and earned five set points, Anisimova appeared visibly emotional, pleading to her support box for “one more point.” Yet, the 23-year-old held her nerve, saving all five set points and finally securing the win on her fourth match point after Pavlyuchenkova misfired on a return.
“It was a real battle,” said Anisimova, who stepped away from tennis in 2022 for eight months due to burnout. “She started playing unbelievable tennis at the end. That tiebreak was so stressful, but I just kept fighting. I’m incredibly happy to be in my first Wimbledon semi-final.”
Anisimova’s performance marks a significant rebound from just a year ago, when she was ranked outside the top 180 and lost in the qualifying rounds at Wimbledon.
Tuesday’s quarter-final was marked by brief, aggressive exchanges, with rallies averaging under three shots. Pavlyuchenkova, the 2021 French Open finalist, struggled with consistency managing only three winners and tallying 12 unforced errors in a swift 22-minute first set.
Having faced Serena Williams in her only other Wimbledon quarter-final appearance back in 2016, Pavlyuchenkova left the court in tears, visibly distraught after a grueling season that saw her battle Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease.
“She played incredible in the first set I couldn’t touch the ball,” the Russian admitted. “Once I started feeling better, I was already down 6-1, 5-2. I just kept fighting and saved match points, but it’s heartbreaking. I couldn’t stop crying. I think I just exploded after everything I’ve been through.”
While Pavlyuchenkova reflects on a hard-fought campaign, Anisimova continues her inspiring run one that embodies resilience, redemption, and a return to form on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
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