Aryna Sabalenka detailed the moments that created tension between her and Amanda Anisimova during their intense semifinal clash at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships on Thursday, July 10. The match quickly grew heated as both players competed fiercely on the court, with emotions visibly running high.
Sabalenka was chasing a spot in her fourth consecutive Grand Slam final but narrowly lost to Anisimova in three sets, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6. Despite her strong efforts, she was unable to overcome the American teenager in a closely contested battle.
Several incidents added to the tension throughout the match. Sabalenka became frustrated when Anisimova did not apologize after winning a critical point via a net cord. Later, further irritation arose when Anisimova celebrated a point while Sabalenka was still attempting to return the ball, an action that clearly upset the Belarusian.
Sabalenka Explains the On-Court Dispute and Her Response
During her post-match press conference, Sabalenka addressed the tension and explained her reaction to Anisimova’s celebrations. She said,
“I was just trying to chase the ball. She was already celebrating it. I was like ‘I mean, that’s a bit too early.’ She kind of pissed me off like saying ‘That’s what she does all the time.’ But I was grateful and thankful that she said that because I was like, it actually helped me to keep fighting.” —Aryna Sabalenka
“I was like ok, now I’m gonna show you the tennis. I came back because I got really angry in that moment. Probably in the 3rd set I should’ve remembered and probably it would’ve helped. But it is what it is.” —Aryna Sabalenka
This loss marks Sabalenka’s third defeat in a Wimbledon semifinal, having previously fallen to Karolina Pliskova in 2021 and Ons Jabeur in 2023.
Sabalenka Reflects on Anisimova’s Bold Performance
Despite her frustration, Sabalenka praised Anisimova’s courage on the court, acknowledging the American’s aggressive play as a key factor in deciding the semifinal. She admitted that she herself lost composure, which cost her crucial points.
Sabalenka shared her thoughts,
“I have to say that she was more brave today. Maybe when I was just trying to stay in the point, she was playing more aggressive. Sometimes I was just stopping my arms.. making mistakes I shouldn’t be making.” —Aryna Sabalenka
“I think I should’ve been a little more brave today and remembered that I’m on the top of the ranking and I can do that. At some point in the match I forgot about that.” —Aryna Sabalenka
Looking ahead, Sabalenka aims to recover from the disappointment at Wimbledon and turn her focus toward the upcoming North American hardcourt season. Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova prepares for the biggest challenge of her young career, as she gets ready to face Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final.