Amanda Anisimova has become the talk of the tennis world after a stunning run at Wimbledon 2025. The 23-year-old American, once tipped as a teenage prodigy, has rediscovered her best form to reach her first Grand Slam final. Her journey has captivated fans, with the UK’s tennis community especially drawn to her powerful play and personal resilience. Anisimova’s performances have injected fresh excitement into the women’s game, as she stands on the brink of a career-defining moment.
From Teenage Prodigy to Centre Court Contender
Anisimova’s rise to prominence began in 2019 when she reached the French Open semi-finals at just 17. Her fearless baseline game and mature shot selection marked her out as a future star. However, her journey since then has not been smooth. Personal tragedy and mental health struggles forced her to take a break from tennis in 2023, and she slipped down the rankings, falling as low as 442 in early 2024.
Her return to the sport in 2024 was tentative, but she steadily rebuilt her confidence and form. By the start of Wimbledon 2025, Anisimova had climbed back into the world’s top 20 and arrived at the All England Club with renewed belief. Her story resonates with many in the UK, where discussions about mental health and resilience in sport are increasingly prominent.
The Road to the Wimbledon Final
Anisimova’s path to the final has been anything but easy. In the quarter-finals, she dispatched Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova with a dominant 6-1, 7-6(9) victory, showing poise under pressure in a marathon second-set tiebreak. That win marked her best-ever performance at Wimbledon, surpassing her previous quarter-final run in 2022.
The semi-final brought her toughest test yet: world number one Aryna Sabalenka. On Centre Court, Anisimova delivered a performance of grit and composure, overcoming Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a match lasting over two and a half hours. The contest was a showcase of high-quality tennis, with both players trading powerful groundstrokes and refusing to yield. Anisimova’s backhand, in particular, proved decisive, as she saved break points and held her nerve in the crucial moments.
With this victory, Anisimova became the youngest American woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final since Serena Williams in 2004. She also improved her head-to-head record against Sabalenka to 6–3, underlining her ability to compete with the very best.
Expert Insight: The Making of a Champion
Tennis analysts have praised Anisimova’s tactical maturity and mental strength. Her ability to mix aggression with patience has unsettled opponents throughout the tournament. Commentators have noted her improved movement and willingness to come forward, adding new dimensions to her game.
Anisimova herself credits her resurgence to the time she spent away from tennis. In interviews, she has spoken candidly about the importance of her mental health break, saying it allowed her to rediscover her passion for the sport and develop interests outside of tennis, such as art and music. She has described the past year as a journey of self-discovery, marked by both challenges and triumphs.
Her coach has highlighted the importance of her support network, including family members who have attended her matches at Wimbledon. The presence of her young nephew, Jaxon, in the stands has been a source of joy and inspiration for Anisimova, who celebrated with him after her quarter-final win.
A New Hope for American Tennis
Anisimova’s run has reignited hopes for a new era in American women’s tennis. With Serena Williams retired and Coco Gauff still developing, Anisimova’s success offers a fresh narrative for fans and pundits alike. Her blend of power and finesse, combined with her openness about mental health, makes her a relatable figure for younger players and supporters.
UK tennis fans, who have long admired the tradition and drama of Wimbledon, have embraced Anisimova’s story. Her matches have drawn large crowds and sparked lively debate on social media and in the press. British commentators have compared her journey to that of other comeback stars, noting the resilience required to overcome setbacks and return to the sport’s highest level.
