Amanda Anisimova delivered a stellar performance against Aryna Sabalenka, propelling her into the Wimbledon final and etching her name alongside Serena Williams in the tournament’s illustrious record books.

Serena Williams of The United States waves to the crowd after losing against Harmony Tan of France during their Women's Singles First Round Match on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2022. © Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesSerena Williams of The United States waves to the crowd after losing against Harmony Tan of France during their Women’s Singles First Round Match on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2022.

Amanda Anisimova and Serena Williams now share a notable achievement at Wimbledon: reaching the final. Anisimova’s commanding performance against Aryna Sabalenka dispelled any doubts, showcasing the resilience of a player who returned to top form after grappling with depression and mental health challenges.

Despite these career setbacks, Anisimova has mounted a remarkable comeback and now awaits the winner of the Iga Swiatek vs. Belinda Bencic clash in the final. Her outstanding showing against the world No. 1 in the semifinals has earned her the prestigious opportunity to compete for a Grand Slam title.

This resurgence has rekindled American faith in their tennis players, following an era dominated by stars like the Williams sisters, with Serena widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time in tennis history. Anisimova has joined Serena in sharing a particular record at the tournament.

Anisimova has become the youngest American player to reach the Wimbledon final since Serena achieved the feat in 2004. At 23 years old, Anisimova has attained this significant milestone after turning professional in 2016, marking her debut appearance in a Grand Slam final, an achievement she came close to at the 2019 Roland Garros.

Amanda Anisimova becomes the youngest American woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final since Serena Williams in 2004. American Dream. 🇺🇸❤️

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Anisimova’s path to the final

When reviewing Anisimova’s journey to the Wimbledon final, it becomes evident that her only significant challenge came against Sabalenka, the sole opponent seeded higher than her. In the remaining rounds, Anisimova consistently approached each match as the favorite, demonstrating her formidable presence on the court.

She began her campaign with a commanding victory over Yulia Putintseva, delivering a double bagel, 6-0, 6-0. In the second round, she overcame Renata Zarazua 6-4, 6-3. The third round saw her in a tougher battle, emerging victorious over Dalma Galfi in three sets.

Then in the Round of 16, Anisimova continued her momentum, triumphing over Linda Noskova, once again in three sets. In the quarterfinals, she dispatched Anastasya Pavlyuchenkova with a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6 (11-9), securing her spot in the semifinals, where she beat Sabalenka.

Other records from Anisimova

Anisimova’s spectacular run not only places her among the ranks of legendary players like Williams at Wimbledon, but she has also maintained an impressive record against Sabalenka. Remarkably, she is only the second player in the Open Era, alongside Bianca Andreescu (US Open 2019), to reach a Women’s Singles final at a Grand Slam after failing to qualify in the previous year’s event.

These achievements position Anisimova as a potential catalyst for a historic year in U.S. tennis. With victories at the Australian Open by Madison Keys and at Roland Garros by Coco Gauff, 2025 could see Anisimova complete a Grand Slam trifecta for the United States, underscoring her status as a pivotal figure in American tennis.